IT Director (AI)

TL;DR

IT Director (Enterprise Infrastructure): Leading the transformation of the global IT operating model to enable innovation in the AI age with an accent on infrastructure, security, and scalability. Focus on designing resilient technology platforms, managing AI-related risks, and evolving self-service capabilities.

Location: Hybrid (Cardiff, UK) — 2-3 days in office

Salary: Up to £156,000

Company

The hirify.global provides world-class educational services to over 6,000 schools across 160 countries.

What you will do

• Lead the transformation of the global IT operating model into specialized, domain-aligned teams with clear accountability.
• Provide strategic leadership across infrastructure, cloud operations, security, identity management, and IT service management.
• Drive service reliability, resilience, and operational excellence across critical enterprise technology platforms.
• Establish modern security, identity, and risk management practices, including oversight of AI-related technology risks.
• Modernize the technology estate, reduce technical debt, and lead vendor strategy and cost optimization.
• Lead the Quality and Test Engineering function, embedding automation-first and shift-left quality practices.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience in enterprise IT, infrastructure, or technology operations within large, complex organizations.
• Proven track record of transforming operationally focused IT functions into resilient and scalable technology organizations.
• Deep expertise in cloud infrastructure, infrastructure-as-code, networking, and site reliability practices.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, governance, compliance, and emerging AI technology risks.
• Experience influencing senior executives and leading large-scale organizational and technology transformation programs.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing substantial budgets and vendor relationships.

Culture & Benefits

• 10% employer pension contribution.
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Flexible benefits allowance equivalent to 1.5% of annual salary.
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-12pm and 2pm-3pm).
• Life assurance (4x annual salary) and paid volunteering leave.
• Excellent continuous professional development opportunities.