Head of IT (AI / CRM / PHP)

Are you ready to lead the modernisation and AI-driven transformation of an entire technology ecosystem?

My client, a high-growth UK business, is looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of IT to take full ownership of their technology evolution - from infrastructure to innovation, CRM performance to AI integration.

This is a pivotal leadership role that combines technical depth, strategic oversight, and operational excellence. Based on-site in Manchester, you'll drive tangible change, scalability, and innovation across the organisation.

The company s in-house CRM is mission-critical handling everything from leads and payments to communications and workflow automation. With strong foundations in place (PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Redis, AWS), the next step is transformation:

• AI/ML-powered automation
• Cybersecurity hardening
• Platform integration and performance optimisation

The successful candidate will help position the business for scale, operational efficiency, and a potential future exit.

AI/Automation & CRM Modernisation

• Lead rollout of 30+ AI/ML features including voice AI, automation, and predictive tools

• Overhaul the legacy CRM s UI/UX into a modern, high-performance platform

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Own enterprise cybersecurity strategy, audits, and incident response

• Design post-attack processes and lead quarterly vulnerability assessments

Infrastructure & Performance

• Optimise PHP/MySQL stack for speed, uptime, and stability

• Resolve CRM bottlenecks and implement diagnostic monitoring tools

Systems Integration & Data Strategy

• Integrate platforms like SpeechIQ and HR tools into a centralised data ecosystem

• Enable cross-platform data sharing to drive automation and insight

Disaster Recovery & Continuity

• Design and implement a DRP, ensure reliable backups and test failover scenarios

Leadership & Delivery

• Manage the IT, development, infrastructure, and AI functions

• Run agile projects, prioritise initiatives, and communicate clearly across teams

• Proven leadership as Head of IT, CTO, or senior technical leader in tech-driven or scaling businesses

• Deep knowledge of:

  • PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Apache 2.4, Redis

  • AI/ML tools (speech/NLP, automation, prediction engines)

  • Cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS)

  • Cybersecurity best practices, disaster recovery, and penetration testing

• Demonstrated success in modernising platforms, leading performance turnarounds, and delivering new systems

• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and business alignment

• Delivery of AI roadmap and automation efficiency gains
• Noticeable improvement in platform speed, uptime, and stability
• Zero breaches or vulnerabilities post-security audits
• Seamless integration of tools into unified systems
• Successful implementation and testing of a disaster recovery plan
• Positive user feedback on platform improvements