How to get a job as Head of IT

You need all the facts before deciding which direction to move your IT career in. If you’ve got your heart set on a management role that combines hands-on work with strategic planning, and business acumen, you might consider a role as Head of IT.

Pete Elward, Senior Business Manager at Robert Half, explains the Head of IT job description, shares salary information for the UK, and how you can get onto this management-level career path.

What’s in a head of IT job description?

The Head of IT (HoIT) oversees and guides all information technology systems and services to help the business reach its growth goals. The HoIT leads the IT team in scoping and delivering IT projects and takes ownership of all IT operations within the business.

As HoIT, you’d sit within the management tier of the business, under the Executives (also known as the C-suite) and report to the Chief Operations Officer or the Chief Information Officer. Head of IT roles are more common in smaller organisations like SMEs or start-ups, unlike the similar IT Director role, which correlates to larger companies.

“The HoIT is often seen as the ‘bridge’ between the C-Suite/Board/Investors and the day-to-day running of the IT department,” says Pete.

“The HoIT will often manage a team of direct/indirect reports and will be responsible for setting IT strategy and delivering IT projects. In smaller companies and start-ups, the HoIT is usually more ‘hands-on’ and will keep up to date with the latest technology trends and cybersecurity threats."

Head of IT roles and responsibilities:

Lead and develop the IT team
Develop and guide IT strategy in line with business objectives
Liaise with third-party providers and negotiate services and contracts
Draft budgets for IT services
Maintain system and data security and reliability
Review, maintain, and implement IT policies
Scope and deliver IT projects
Optimise business IT processes and monitor efficiency

How to get a job in IT

To get your career in IT off to a strong start, our experts recommend studying computer science, information systems, or information technology. The most successful professionals have a blend of leadership skills, business acumen, technical expertise, and strategic thinking.

“Keep up to date with the latest technology trends (cloud computing, cyber security, business systems). Board-level executives will want to feel confident that their HoIT is an expert in their field when helping to define company strategy.”

“Seek out a HoIT/IT Director mentor who can offer advice and guidance on the skills you might be lacking and how best to fill those gaps,” says Pete.

Qualifications and skills:

Broad experience with infrastructure and network management
Cybersecurity, database management, cloud computing, ERP/Business Systems
People management and leadership skills
Project management and delivery experience
Excellent problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels
Strong negotiation and third-party/vendor management skills

Average Head of IT job salary

The average salary for a Head of IT position in the UK is £76,750. Most entry-level professionals are being offered a starting salary of approximately £66,250 and experienced tech professionals can command anything up to £82,500.

Unsurprisingly, the highest Head of IT salaries are awarded to professionals working in London, where the average wage is £93,635. In Scotland, the average HoIT salary is £83,658, Wales offers an average of £52,430, and you can earn £75,983 in the West Midlands.

Future career prospects for a Head of IT role

Taking a management role in IT opens many exciting opportunities in higher management and the executive suite. For example, you can progress to IT Director and work in a similar role but on a much larger scale. You could also climb to the executive tier as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and oversee all IT strategies at the highest level.

You can also choose to niche down as you climb the tech career ladder. Chief Architects and Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) are high-demand roles that offer attractive salaries and the joy of a specialised career focus.

“The HoIT position is fantastic for people who love the variety of strategy and day-to-day IT management,” says Pete.

“Nowadays, it’s seen as a great stepping stone to CIO/CTO/CISO roles, as more and more companies seek out technology experts to join their exec/board. The HoIT is an exciting job opportunity, especially now that IT is seen as an enabler for company growth and not just a support function.”

Visit the Robert Half advice blog for more information on careers in tech, or download your free Robert Half 2023 Salary Guide. If you’re ready to apply for a role as head of IT, upload your CV and browse new opportunities in tech today.