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
