Chief Information Officer jobs in United Kingdom

An innovative organisation operating at the intersection of environmental restoration and commercial development is looking for an Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead their technology function through a critical growth phase. This role will begin as full-time, tapering down to a fractional advisory capacity over time — typically transitioning after the first 6 months.

This is a contract role, outside IR35, offered on a competitive daily rate basis.

About the Organisation

The company operates a unique, market-shaping model that links landowners and developers through legally compliant biodiversity offsetting. By enabling nature restoration to be properly measured, verified and monetised, they are driving both commercial success and meaningful ecological impact.

The Role

As Interim CIO, you’ll be responsible for assessing the current Microsoft-based technology environment, defining a future-fit strategy, and ensuring the infrastructure, systems and data architecture can scale with the business’s ambitious plans. The position is both strategic and operational — laying down the right tech foundations while influencing broader organisational transformation.

You’ll work closely with the leadership team to align technology with business objectives, manage third-party suppliers where relevant, and ensure the organisation is making smart, future-proofed technology decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the technology vision and roadmap, balancing near-term stability with long-term scalability.
2. Review and evolve the current Microsoft-driven infrastructure, identifying opportunities for optimisation, consolidation, or improvement.
3. Work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration and delivery of technology projects.
4. Support key initiatives around data, security, platforms, and digital service delivery.
5. Provide ongoing counsel to senior leadership and the board, contributing to strategic planning and investment decisions.
6. Establish appropriate governance, process and supplier relationships for a scaling environment.
7. Transition into a fractional, advisory capacity over time, continuing to guide long-term tech planning and oversight.

What They’re Looking For

1. A proven technology leader with experience as a CIO, CTO, or IT Director in scaling organisations.
2. Strong background with Microsoft environments (e.g. Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows infrastructure).
3. Demonstrated experience in defining and delivering technology strategy within entrepreneurial or high-growth settings.
4. Comfortable working across both strategic and hands-on levels, especially in lean teams.
5. Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive and board level.
6. Prior exposure to environmental, regulatory, or sustainability-led organisations is advantageous but not essential.
7. Daily rate contract, outside IR35
8. Initial commitment: Full-time, with a planned transition to fractional (1–2 days/month) after ~6 months
9. Remote-first, with occasional travel to HQ if required

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the technology direction of a mission-led organisation doing critical work in ecological restoration. You'll be part of a leadership team that values purpose, innovation, and sustainable growth.