CTO

CTO – Lead a Full-Stack Transformation 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. Why This Role Matters:  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. What You’ll Be Doing: 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 What You’ll Need to Succeed 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 Success Will Be Measured By 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