Purpose of the Role
The Head of Information Systems (IS) is responsible for shaping, governing, and continuously improving the information systems, data landscape, and digitally enabled ways of working across Opera North.
The purpose of this role is to develop and execute an IT and systems strategy aligned with Opera North’s organisational goals, ensuring technology is an enabler for operational excellence, innovation, and resilience. The role will also be responsible vendor and partner management, ensuring a positive relationship with all IT service providers.
Unlike a traditional “Head of IT,” this position is explicitly business-facing, focused on integrating systems, improving processes, and aligning digital capabilities with organisational outcomes
rather than managing day‑to‑day technical operations. Technical delivery is executed through managed service providers (MSPs) and specialist partners, whom the Head of IS will lead, coordinate and performance‑manage.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Architecture & Planning
- Develop and maintain a multi-year (2-3 years) Information Systems Strategy & Roadmap aligned with organisational goals and SLT priorities.
- Define the target state for systems, data, integration, workflows, and digital tools, ensuring alignment with future operating needs.
- Chair governance forums and lead organisational planning for systems adoption, change, and digital transformation.
Data, Digital Workflow & Integration Leadership
- Lead the creation and adoption of a unified data strategy, ensuring coherent governance, reporting, analytics, and quality.
- Drive integration of systems and processes to reduce duplication, improve data flow, and establish a consistent way of working.
- Appoint and support departmental data stewards in embedding data governance practices.
- Promote shared responsibility for data quality, compliance, and usage.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Own the IS governance framework, including data retention, access management, acceptable use, and DLP policies.
- Lead compliance with GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and relevant best‑practice security standards.
- Ensure robust business continuity, incident response, and disaster recovery plans are tested and maintained.
Vendor, Partner & MSP Management
- Act as the organisation’s senior representative for all IT vendors, MSPs, fractional CTO/CSO and digital delivery partners.
- Set clear scopes, KPIs, SLAs, and performance expectations; monitor compliance and escalate issues where necessary.
- Lead contract negotiations and periodic market assessments.
User Adoption, Digital Enablement & Change Management
- Champion user adoption of M365 and core digital platforms, ensuring consistent, efficient, and secure use across departments.
- Lead digital literacy initiatives, and structured training programmes.
- Enable teams to identify opportunities for automation, improved workflows, and data-driven decision-making.
- Assist SLT during SaaS deployments to achieve uniformity across departments and implementation standards.
Organisational Partnership & Communication
- Act as a strategic partner to all departments, understanding operational needs and translating them into system and data solutions.
- Facilitate forums, workshops, and cross-departmental alignment sessions.
- Provide regular reporting to the SLT and Board on system performance, risks, and opportunities.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Qualifications
- Degree in IT, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Systems or equivalent experience.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, Prince2, CISM) desirable
Professional Experience
- Leadership experience in Information Systems, Digital Transformation, CIO/Head of IT roles, or equivalent senior positions in complex environments (arts/non-profit/SME advantageous).
- Demonstrable experience in implementing internal systems for various business divisions including SaaS products.
- Proven track record in delivering IT/IS strategy, digital transformation projects, and governance frameworks (i.e. ITIL).
- Experience managing MSPs, negotiating contracts, and holding partners accountable.
- Strong understanding of data governance, GDPR, information security, and business continuity.
Functional Competencies
- Excellent stakeholder engagement abilities, including translating technical concepts into business outcomes.
- Skilled in process improvement, system integration, and workflow optimisation.
- Strong documentation, communication, facilitation, and change management capability.
Personal Attributes
- Business-focused mindset with a strategic outlook
- Collaborative and relationship-oriented
- Curious, analytical, and committed to continuous improvement
- Able to influence, challenge, and guide without direct authority
Terms and Conditions
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Hours of work: 35 hours per week
Holiday entitlement: 33 days inclusive of 8 statutory holidays, per annum Pension: Opera North will automatically enroll you into the company pension scheme upon appointment and after 3 months’ service will contribute equivalent to 5.5% of your basic pay, should you meet the current legislative criteria. You will be required to make a personal contribution of 2.5% of your basic pay. We reserve the right to make future changes to our pension arrangements.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
We promote equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching our needs with the skills and experience of the candidate. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from the global majority or those with other protected characteristics.
The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK or be ready to obtain it.
General responsibilities of everyone who works for us:
• Represent the company values and purpose to create extraordinary experiences everyday
• Work collaboratively and co-operatively with all team members and take an active part in team meetings and discussions
• Be an ambassador for Opera North and follow our policies and procedures
• Play your part in ensuring that everyone who comes through our door is welcomed and treated with respect
If you need any help completing your application including any adjustments to the application process please contact appointments@operanorth.co.uk to make us aware.
Good luck with your application and we look forward to hearing from you.
