Head of IT

PE-Backed Buy & Build Platform | Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing

£90,000–£100,000 + Bonus + Equity Opportunity

Stanton House is partnering with a highly ambitious PE-backed buy-and-build platform to appoint its first Head of IT.

With a target of £250m revenue and 20–30 acquisitions over the next five years, this is a fantastic opportunity to build and lead the technology capability of a rapidly scaling group operating within the aerospace and defence manufacturing sector.

This is not a traditional Head of IT role.

The successful candidate will play a key role in value creation, helping to integrate acquisitions, execute the Group's technology and data strategy, optimise systems and processes, and leverage modern technologies – including AI – to create a scalable platform for growth.

Reporting to the CFO, you will work closely with Operations, Finance, Integration, Data and external technology partners to establish the technology function, create the roadmap and drive execution across the platform.

What You'll Be Doing

• Establish and own the Group technology strategy and roadmap.
• Lead technology integration activity across acquired businesses.
• Drive ERP, systems and technology transformation initiatives.
• Translate data strategy into practical business outcomes and improved decision-making.
• Build scalable technology and operating models that support growth.
• Leverage AI and automation to improve efficiency and reduce operational complexity.
• Manage MSPs, technology vendors and strategic partners.
• Create repeatable technology integration and Day 1/100-Day playbooks for future acquisitions.
• Partner with business leaders to ensure technology becomes a genuine value creation enabler.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in technology leaders who combine strategic thinking with operational delivery and who thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments.

You are likely to bring:

• Experience leading technology, systems or IT functions within a manufacturing, engineering, industrial or multi-site environment.
• Strong ERP, business systems and technology transformation experience.
• Exposure to acquisition integration, carve-out or buy-and-build environments.
• Experience managing third-party technology providers, MSPs and software vendors.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders across multiple functions.
• A passion for leveraging modern technologies, automation and AI to drive business performance.
• The ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and build capability from the ground up.

Industry experience is helpful but not essential. We are open to candidates from a range of sectors who have successfully led technology transformation, systems integration and operational change within growing businesses.

Why Join?

• Build the technology function from scratch.
• Play a pivotal role in a PE-backed value creation journey.
• Direct exposure to acquisition integration and transformation activity.
• Influence technology, systems, data and AI strategy across the Group.
• Work directly with senior leadership and investors.
• Equity participation aligned to business growth and value creation.
• Genuine opportunity to shape the future direction of the platform.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially minded technology leader who wants to move beyond BAU IT management and play a central role in building a high-growth platform.