IT Operations Manager

This role is responsible for shaping how IT supports a growing, technically ambitious consultancy. You will lead the IT support function working closely with leadership, liaising with internal teams and external partners to ensure technology enables the business.

While this is not a purely hands-on technical role, you will be accountable for service quality and user experience across the organisation. It is a leadership role as a manager of managers however an understanding of technology is required in order to ensure delivery of projects meet your strategic direction.

This role requires proven customer service skills, with the ability to work well under pressure. You should be a proactive and independent thinker.

Core Responsibilities

• Day to day management of all Operational and IT functions.
• Develop and implement strategies for enterprise scale growth and implement process to facilitate the same.
• Planning and overseeing IT department activities to achieve organisational goals.
• Understanding of network topology, device management, access and identity management.
• Design and oversee IT audits to identify weaknesses and create a resolution plan to fortify them.
• Research and identify better methods and improvements in an overall IT function.
• Own day-to-day IT team BAU, ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and performant.
• Have a wide ranging knowledge of IT systems and processing.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop both Operation and IT team members. Team members are based in the Belfast office and multiple other sites in the UK, EMEA & USA.
• Set clear priorities, monitor metrics and output and foster a strong service-oriented culture.
• Support professional development, performance management, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Ability to direct and manage team members that don't report to this role.
• Maximise teamwork effectiveness.

Projects, Strategy & Innovation

• Create a vision for the IT function and inspire others to achieve this.
• Contribute to IT strategy and technology roadmaps aligned with business goals.
• Lead or support internal IT projects and improvements.
• Drive efficiency through automation and innovation, including AI-enabled tooling where appropriate.
• Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and third-party suppliers.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with leadership, delivery teams, and external partners to align IT with operational needs.
• Translate technical concepts into clear, practical guidance for non-technical stakeholders.

Do you have experience in Project management?, We are seeking an experienced IT Operations Manager with at least 5 years of experience in an IT operations and people management role to join our internal IT function., * Minimum 5 years' experience in IT operations/director, infrastructure, or IT management roles.

• Proven people management experience, leading and developing IT or technical teams.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, growing organisation (consultancy experience is a plus).

Technical & Operational Expertise

• Solid understanding of networks, security, identity management, and cloud services.
• Familiarity with AV-integrated network environments is advantageous.
• Understanding of IT service management frameworks (ITIL).
• Experience working on a global scale (not essential).

Leadership & Management Skills

• Confident people leader with strong coaching and communication skills.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, and vendors.
• Able to balance hands-on understanding with strategic oversight.

Mindset & Approach

• Service-focused, with a deep understanding of user needs and support processes.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong analytical skills.
• Comfortable driving change, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Curious, adaptable, and committed to staying current with emerging technologies and security best practices.
• The successful candidate must have a mindset to create a managed service with a difference for our customers.

GuildTech, the sister company of Hamilton Robson is one of the fastest-growing Audio Visual and software development consultancies in the UK and Ireland, is seeking a person to lead their IT function. We design and deliver AV technology solutions that solve real customer problems, from complex AV environments and secure enterprise networks to bespoke software and immersive digital experiences. Our clients span social media companies, finance, visitor attractions, manufacturing, construction, and global enterprise.