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