IT Director

About Sovereign AI: Sovereign AI is a UK-based AI infrastructure and solutions provider building the next generation of sovereign-grade AI data centres across EMEA. Designed for resilience, security, and scale, Sovereign AI enables commercial and government customers to deploy advanced AI with confidence in environments where performance, reliability, and compliance are non-negotiable.

Focused on regulated and mission-critical sectors specifically Government Defence, Sovereign AI is creating the trusted foundations for AI adoption at scale, combining robust infrastructure with disciplined governance to support long-term innovation and national-level capability.

The IT Director leads the planning, implementation, and management of an organisation’s information technology systems. This role ensures that IT infrastructure supports business goals, remains secure, and operates efficiently. l digital touchpoints are user-centred and align with brand and business goals.

IT Strategy & Technology Leadership

• Develop and execute the organisation’s IT strategy aligned to business objectives and growth plans

• Partner with executive leadership to advise on technology investment, innovation and operational scalability

• Drive digital transformation initiatives across systems, infrastructure and business operations

• Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and user experience

• Establish IT governance, standards and technology roadmaps across the organisation

Infrastructure, Systems & IT Operations

• Oversee the organisation’s internal IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud environments, servers, devices and business-critical systems

• Ensure high availability, resilience, performance and scalability across all IT platforms and services

• Manage IT support operations, ensuring timely resolution of technical issues and strong end-user experience

• Oversee the administration and optimisation of collaboration, productivity and enterprise platforms

• Ensure appropriate backup, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities are maintained

Cybersecurity & Information Protection

• Develop and maintain cybersecurity policies, controls and operational procedures

• Protect systems, infrastructure and data against cyber threats, vulnerabilities and security breaches

• Oversee endpoint security, identity and access management, monitoring and incident response processes

• Ensure compliance with applicable data protection, cybersecurity and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and relevant industry standards

• Promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices across the organisation

Technology Projects & Transformation

• Lead major IT projects, including system implementations, migrations, integrations and infrastructure upgrades

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to operational requirements

• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration across Technology, Operations, Security and external vendors

• Manage risks, dependencies and change activities associated with technology programmes

• Support scalable technology architecture as the organisation expands internationally.

Vendor, Budget & Asset Management

• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring effective cost control and value delivery

• Evaluate, negotiate and manage relationships with technology vendors, MSPs and service providers

• Oversee procurement and lifecycle management of hardware, software and technology services

• Ensure appropriate licensing, support agreements, and vendor performance management processes are in place

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing IT function aligned to business growth

• Recruit, mentor and manage IT staff and external support resources

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence

• Support professional development and capability growth within the technology team

Operational Governance & Compliance

• Maintain operational IT policies, standards and documentation

• Ensure strong governance across systems, access, asset management and operational controls

• Support audit, compliance and regulatory activities relating to technology operations

• Ensure technology operations align with internal governance frameworks and business risk requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related discipline preferred

• Relevant professional certifications desirable (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, Microsoft, AWS, Azure, Cybersecurity certifications)

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Proven experience as an IT Director, Head of IT or senior technology leadership role

• Exceptional operational knowledge of Apple devices, JAMF, Ubiquiti, Google Workspace

• Strong experience managing cloud infrastructure, enterprise systems and operational IT environments

• Experience operating within a fast-paced scale-up or start-up environment is highly desirable

• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, IT governance and risk management

• Experience leading technology transformation and infrastructure projects

• Experience managing third-party vendors, MSPs and outsourced IT services

• Strong budgeting, procurement and commercial management capability

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• Comfortable exploring and implementing AI and automation solutions within IT operations

• Strong operational problem-solving and decision-making capability

• Experience supporting geographically distributed teams and multi-site operations desirable