Head of IT and Systems

Cambridge Design Partnership

. Develop and deliver a practical technology, systems, data and digital roadmap aligned with CDP's growth strategy .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeCambridge • United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading technology strategy, architecture, and operations while ensuring effective management of enterprise systems and cyber security. Proven ability to drive digital transformation, improve business processes, and enhance data quality and accessibility across organizations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Technology Strategy DevelopmentCyber Security ManagementDigital Transformation LeadershipEnterprise Systems OversightStakeholder Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CRM SystemsERP SystemsProject Management SoftwareData AutomationAI ImplementationISO 27001 ComplianceBusiness Continuity PlanningProcess RedesignIntegration StandardsInformation Security Framework

Soft Skills

Strong Business JudgementChange LeadershipSimplifying ComplexityCredibility with Senior LeadersStakeholder Engagement

Tools & Technologies

HubSpotSAP Business ByDesignMicrosoft 365SharePointAzureEgnyteCollaboration ToolsDocument Management SystemsWorkflow ManagementIT Service Management

Industry Keywords

Professional ServicesConsultingEngineeringProject-Based EnvironmentKnowledge-Intensive Organisation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AzureCloudCyber SecurityERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and deliver a practical technology, systems, data and digital roadmap aligned with CDP's growth strategy
Identify where technology can improve productivity, client delivery, decision-making and employee experience
Set priorities for technology investment and digital change
Define pragmatic architecture, integration and technology standards
Lead the evolution of CDP's technology landscape
Ensure major initiatives have clear ownership, business cases and measurable outcomes
Take overall responsibility for enterprise systems including CRM, project and resource management, finance, HR, collaboration, document management and workflow
Lead development or replacement of HubSpot, SAP Business ByDesign, Microsoft 365/SharePoint, Egnyte and internally developed systems
Improve end-to-end business processes and information flow from sales through delivery, resourcing, time recording, invoicing and management reporting
Establish ownership, roadmaps and support models for core systems
Improve business data quality, accessibility and use
Develop management information and insight with Finance and other functions
Identify and deliver automation opportunities
Lead CDP's responsible and effective use of AI
Measure adoption and business benefit
Lead reliable and responsive IT services across UK and US operations
Oversee workplace technology, Microsoft 365, networks, endpoints, identity, access, cloud and infrastructure
Improve onboarding, support and everyday technology experience
Maintain asset, licence, change, incident and problem management
Support specialist technology needs of scientists, designers and engineers
Own information security and technology risk framework
Lead cyber security priorities across identity, endpoints, cloud, networks, data and third-party systems
Maintain controls aligned with ISO 27001
Work with Legal, Quality and client-facing teams on information security, privacy, intellectual property and client requirements
Maintain incident response, business continuity, backup and disaster recovery arrangements
Lead and develop a small IT and systems team
Build joined-up capability across IT operations, systems, data and digital change
Manage technology suppliers, software contracts, licences, partners, budgets and resources
Communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong business judgement and a broad understanding of technology
Comfortable moving between strategy, architecture, operations, suppliers, people and delivery
Ability to turn a broad agenda into clear priorities and bring others into delivery
Strong commercial and business judgement
Ability to simplify complexity and set clear priorities
Credibility with senior leaders and colleagues across the business
Pragmatic approach to systems and architecture
Strong change leadership and stakeholder management
Sound judgement around cyber security and technology risk
Practical understanding of data, automation and AI
Focus on adoption, outcomes and business value
Ability to lead and develop a small, capable team
Experience leading both IT operations and enterprise business systems in a knowledge-intensive organisation
Experience in professional services, consulting, engineering, product development or another project-based environment
Experience leading significant systems improvement or digital transformation
Experience across several of CRM, ERP/finance, PSA/project management, HR systems, Microsoft 365, data/BI, workflow and integration
Senior accountability for cyber security, technology risk and business continuity
Experience leading and developing an internal technology team alongside external partners
Experience managing software suppliers, contracts, licences and technology budgets
Experience leading organisational change through process redesign, implementation, communication, training and adoption
Experience of SAP Business ByDesign, HubSpot, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure/Entra or PSA platforms would be useful
Experience supporting UK and US operations, ISO 27001 or regulated product-development environments would be valuable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible working, with a minimum of three days per week on site in Cambridge
A discretionary bonus
Excellent learning and development opportunities
A 12% non-contributory pension
Private healthcare
Electric vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme
Share incentive plan
33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
Some travel to the Raleigh, North Carolina office may be required
100% employee-owned, giving people a direct stake in the long-term success of the business