Head of IT Services

Job Title: Head of IT Services
Location: Hybrid (with travel as required)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits (including Bonus and Company Car)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About The Role
We are looking for an exceptional leader to join our Technology & Change division as
Head of IT Services
. This is the most senior role within the IT Services function, responsible for delivering all IT operations that enable business capabilities across the organisation. Reporting directly to the CIO, you will shape the future of IT Services, driving strategy, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT Services function, ensuring alignment with the group-wide IT strategy.
• Deliver high-performing IT operations and service management across the organisation.
• Introduce innovative capabilities to enhance competitive advantage and employee productivity.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to the business.
• Develop and manage the IT Services budget, driving cost optimisation and efficiency.
• Oversee IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks, governance, and compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement, resilience, and adoption of emerging technologies.
• Lead strategic vendor management and sourcing strategies.
• Build and develop a strong, diverse leadership team and workforce plan.

Qualifications
What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in senior IT leadership roles within large, complex organisations.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning, and execution capabilities.
• Expertise in IT Service Management, cloud adoption, and emerging technologies.
• Experience in budget planning, financial management, and vendor governance.
• Ability to drive innovation and deliver measurable business value.

About Us
We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 30+ manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from locations across the UK and Ireland.

We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we're committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That's why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.

Core Benefits

• Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
• Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
• Enhanced family leave, including 6 months' full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks' full pay for paternity leave
• Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments

Health & Wellbeing

• Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
• Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
• Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
• Critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments

Financial Wellbeing

• MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app
• Will writing services to help plan for the future
• Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection

Leisure & Lifestyle

• Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
• Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
• Access to home and technology vouchers
• bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts

We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.

Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.

If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.