Head of IT

Head of IT

Communications Workers Union (CWU)

Exclusive partnership with Morgan Hunt

Salary: £74,215 (rising to £78,491 after 6 months)
Location: London (Hybrid - 3 days per week office-based)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + Pension Scheme

About the Opportunity

Morgan Hunt is proud to be working exclusively with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) to recruit a highly experienced Head of IT. This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the union's technology strategy during a period of major digital transformation.

You will lead the IT function end-to-end - spanning operations, cyber security, cloud services, membership systems, and the delivery of a multi-year digital transformation agenda. This is a rare opportunity to hold a strategic role within a values-led, membership-focused organisation at the forefront of national advocacy and workplace change.

The Role

As Head of IT, you will serve as the CWU's senior technology leader, accountable for:

• Setting and delivering a multi-year IT & Digital Transformation Strategy
• Ensuring robust cyber security, data protection and regulatory compliance (UK GDPR)
• Managing a Microsoft-centric cloud estate (M365, Entra/Active Directory, Azure)
• Overseeing CRM systems, websites, data platforms, and enterprise applications
• Leading IT operations, infrastructure, end-user devices, telephony, and conferencing
• Managing IT suppliers, contracts, and a budget of approx. £417k
• Managing and developing a team of 4 IT professionals
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Providing strategic insight, horizon scanning, and technology innovation expertise

You will also play a central role in progressing the union's two-to-three-year Digital Transformation Programme, ensuring technology adoption, service quality, resilience, and modernisation remain at the heart of CWU operations.

About the CWU

• A national membership organisation representing workers across communications and related sectors
• A values-driven organisation with strong commitments to data protection, member service, and operational resilience
• Operating a hybrid cloud infrastructure with increasing reliance on Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms
• Undergoing ongoing transformation following several years of significant national activity and organisational change

Essential Experience (Must-Haves)

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate:

• 5-10+ years' senior IT leadership (Head of IT / IT Manager / IT Director or equivalent)
• Proven delivery of IT strategies and transformation programmes
• Strong cyber security and information governance expertise in complex or regulated environments
• Hands-on Microsoft expertise - M365, Azure, Entra/Active Directory
• Experience managing teams, budgets, suppliers, and multi-vendor environments
• Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging at senior levels
• Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available)

Highly Desirable

• Experience in membership bodies, unions, public/third sector, or similarly complex organisations
• Experience centralising or modernising devolved IT
• Exposure to Dynamics 365, Power Platform, or Power BI
• Experience working with constrained budgets
• Understanding of DNS, SPF, DMARC, DKIM

Recruitment Timeline

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV to Morgan Hunt. All communication will be through Morgan Hunt.

This is a high-profile appointment being managed exclusively, and early applications are strongly encouraged.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.