We have partnered with a global client to hire an experienced Head of IT Operations to lead its IT operations function. This role is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of critical infrastructure, service delivery, and security operations. The successful candidate will bring a strong mix of leadership, technical expertise, and operational discipline to ensure stability, scalability, and continuous improvement across the technology estate.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
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Lead and mentor the IT Operations and Service Desk teams.
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Develop and execute strategies that enhance operational effectiveness, resilience, and scalability.
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Act as a senior leader across IT, contributing to long-term technology planning and innovation.
Infrastructure & Cloud Management
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Oversee all aspects of hybrid infrastructure including data centres, networks, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), and Microsoft 365.
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Drive automation and modernisation initiatives to support performance and cost efficiency.
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Ensure system uptime, availability, and reliability through robust architecture and proactive operations.
Service Management
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Define, implement, and continuously improve ITIL-aligned service delivery processes.
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Track performance against SLAs and KPIs to deliver a high-quality user experience.
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Promote a culture of accountability and continuous service improvement.
Security & Risk Management
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Lead day-to-day security operations and incident response.
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Ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR) and internal policies.
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Manage business continuity, including disaster recovery planning and testing.
Vendor & Budget Ownership
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Own and manage the IT Operations budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and value delivery.
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Lead procurement, contract negotiations, and ongoing vendor performance management.
Architecture & Innovation
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Oversee the design and evolution of infrastructure and platform architecture.
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Ensure architectural decisions support business goals, security standards, and future scalability.
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Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies and practices that enhance resilience and agility.
Candidate Requirements
Required
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Minimum 15 years in IT, including 10+ years in senior operations or infrastructure leadership roles.
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Deep experience in managing hybrid (on-premise and cloud) environments at scale.
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Strong understanding of IT service management frameworks (ITIL) and security operations.
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Experience with large budgets and complex vendor ecosystems.
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Proven leadership capabilities with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable
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Professional certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, PMP, or Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect.
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Exposure to modern IT delivery models (DevOps, CI/CD, infrastructure as code).
What This Role Offers
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Leadership of a critical function within a modern, forward-thinking organisation.
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The opportunity to drive innovation, stability, and growth in a fast-evolving technology landscape.
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A collaborative environment with flexibility and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
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Hybrid working model supporting both autonomy and in-person collaboration.
If this role sounds of interest to you, please reach out today for a confidential conversation.
