Interim Head of Identity & Access Management

Interim Head of Identity & Access Management (IAM)

We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Identity & Access Management (IAM) to lead a critical programme focused on modernising identity services, strengthening access management controls and optimising Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) processes across a complex enterprise environment.

This is a high-impact leadership assignment requiring a proven IAM professional who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership. You'll take ownership of IAM service delivery, governance, platform stability, automation and self-service capabilities while partnering with Security, Infrastructure, HR and Technology teams to drive meaningful improvements across the organisation.

As the interim lead, you will be responsible for ensuring IAM services remain secure, compliant, scalable and user-focused. You'll oversee identity life cycle management, access provisioning, authentication services and governance processes while driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities will include leading day-to-day IAM operations, maintaining the stability and performance of core identity platforms, enhancing monitoring and service management practices, and ensuring robust controls are in place to support audit and regulatory requirements. You will also be responsible for developing an automation-first approach, reducing manual effort, eliminating recurring issues and expanding self-service capabilities for end users.

We're looking for someone who can quickly assess the current landscape, identify risks and opportunities, and deliver tangible outcomes. You'll be comfortable managing operational risk across areas such as privileged access, access recertification, segregation of duties, identity governance, non-human identities and access-related compliance requirements.

Technical Expertise

• You will bring strong working knowledge of IAM technologies, including:
• Microsoft Entra ID/Active Directory
• Okta
• Identity Governance & Administration (IGA) platforms
• Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions
• Privileged Access Management (PAM)
• You should also possess a strong understanding of:
• Joiner-Mover-Leaver (JML) processes
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
• Identity governance and entitlement management
• Application onboarding and integration using APIs, REST, SCIM and related frameworks
• Zero Trust security principles

Experience Required

Successful candidates will have significant experience leading IAM functions within large-scale enterprise organisations and a proven track record of delivering operational and transformational change. Previous experience operating at Head of IAM, IAM Lead, Identity Operations Lead or similar level is highly desirable.

You will have experience managing teams, suppliers and third-party service providers, alongside strong knowledge of ITSM disciplines including incident, problem and change management. Experience delivering automation, self-service and continuous improvement initiatives within Identity and Security environments is essential.

The Individual

This role requires a pragmatic and delivery-focused leader with excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at all levels. You will be an effective communicator, comfortable operating in complex environments and able to balance security, compliance and user experience while driving measurable improvements.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced IAM leader to make an immediate impact, shape the future operating model and leave a lasting Legacy within a high-profile transformation programme.