IT Systems Lead

Overview of role

You will be a dynamic, confident and driven IT professional with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. You will have a natural ability to build trusted relationships, influence decision-making and lead complex initiatives across the organisation.

The IT Systems Lead will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of high-profile business and technology projects that support the firm's strategic objectives. These may include business transformation programmes, system implementations, acquisitions and integrations, major upgrades and other complex initiatives involving multiple workstreams, suppliers and senior business stakeholders.

Working closely with the Head of IT Systems and business leaders, you will provide end-to-end leadership for strategic projects, from initial discovery and business case development through to implementation, adoption and transition into business-as-usual support.

You will coordinate technical teams, business representatives and third-party partners to ensure projects are delivered successfully, balancing scope, quality, timescales and business benefit.

Alongside project delivery, you will act as the lead for designated business systems, developing deep subject matter expertise, identifying opportunities for improvement and delivering continual enhancements to maximise business value. You will analyse systems, data and business processes to identify opportunities for automation, integration and operational efficiency, creating roadmaps that align with the firm's IT strategy.

The role requires flexibility to move between strategic transformation initiatives and operational systems leadership, providing expert guidance across both project delivery and the ongoing management, optimisation and support of the firm's technology estate.

Duties, Responsibilities & Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience:

• Project management
• Business Analysis
• Microsoft 365 certification highly desirable
• Microsoft Data and AI certification highly desirable
• SQL Administration certification desirable
• AI Certifications desirable

Essential skills:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience supporting and managing systems in a similar business context
• In depth knowledge of systems, data and integration and the associated principles
• Highly skilled in the analyse and manipulation of data
• Ability to build accurate and visually compelling reporting using tools such as Power BI
• Experience creating requirements specification and taking them to market for solutions
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft products, particularly Office 365 and Microsoft Power Apps
• The use of automation technology to improve business process would be a distinct advantage
• A good general knowledge of end user technologies, e.g. PC’s, Audio Visual, Mobile Phones, Telephone systems
• A broad understanding of technology and a good level of awareness of technical concepts
• An understanding of project management principles

Main Responsibilities

Transformation & Strategic Projects

• Lead the delivery of strategic business and technology projects, ensuring successful outcomes across scope, budget, quality and timescales.
• Deliver complex initiatives involving multiple workstreams, business functions, suppliers and technical teams.
• Lead systems implementation, acquisition and integration projects, ensuring effective coordination across all stakeholders.
• Develop project plans, governance documentation, RAID logs and executive reporting.
• Manage project risks, issues, dependencies and resource planning.
• Ensure smooth transition of completed projects into operational support.

Stakeholder Leadership

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Act as the primary technology representative for strategic projects.
• Chair project boards, steering groups and systems working groups.
• Produce business cases and present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage competing stakeholder priorities while maintaining delivery focus.

Systems Leadership

• Act as subject matter expert for designated business systems.
• Develop and maintain system roadmaps aligned to business strategy.
• Lead business analysis, process mapping and solution design.
• Identify opportunities for automation, integration and process improvement.
• Drive adoption of business systems through training, communication and engagement.
• Oversee system enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operational Systems Management

• When strategic project commitments allow, the IT Systems Lead will also undertake the responsibilities expected of a senior systems lead by:
• Supporting and enhancing core business systems.
• Managing upgrades, releases and system improvements.
• Investigating complex issues and coordinating resolution.
• Managing third-party suppliers.
• Maintaining technical documentation and support materials.
• Monitoring system performance, security and usage.
• Supporting governance and compliance activities.