Head of IT Operational Support - Swindon

We’re looking for a technology leader to join us as our Head of IT Operations (Cyber Security & Infrastructure).

This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring our technology infrastructure, cyber security services and operational platforms are secure, resilient and fit for purpose. You’ll lead a talented team and work closely with strategic partners to provide the foundations that enable colleagues, volunteers and visitors to benefit from reliable, secure and modern technology services.

As a member of the senior IT leadership team, you’ll help shape technology strategy, drive operational excellence and strengthen organisational resilience, ensuring technology continues to support our mission and long-term objectives.

What it’s like to work here

Reporting to the IT Operations Director, you’ll be responsible for infrastructure, cyber security and operational technology services across the organisation.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Operations, Heads of IT Delivery, IT Assurance, IT Digital and Data, as well as senior stakeholders across the business, helping to shape technology strategy while ensuring secure, reliable and resilient services.

You’ll influence strategic decisions, drive continuous improvement and strengthen our technology foundations.

As this is a national role, there is flexibility on your contractual place of work. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We’ll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40-60% of your working week.

What you’ll be doing

As Head of IT Operations (Cyber Security & Infrastructure), you’ll provide leadership across infrastructure, cloud platforms, networks, cyber security operations and technical services, ensuring critical technology services remain secure, resilient and high performing. You’ll develop and deliver infrastructure and cyber security strategies that align with organisational priorities, while strengthening cyber resilience, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.

Working closely with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders, you’ll drive operational excellence through service management best practice, automation and modern engineering approaches. Leading the response to major incidents and cyber security events, you’ll ensure effective recovery and continuous improvement. You’ll also oversee budgets, investment plans and technology roadmaps, balancing operational risk, innovation and long-term value, while developing a high-performing team where colleagues can grow and thrive.

You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale:

• Senior leadership experience within IT Operations, Infrastructure and Cyber Security with experience developing diverse teams, creating an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued.
• Strong knowledge of cloud technologies, enterprise infrastructure, networking and Cyber Security controls and a proven track record of delivering operational resilience and service improvement programmes.
• Extensive experience managing Strategic Cyber Security risks, identifying threats, implementing proportionate controls and leading remediation programmes that strengthen organisational resilience.
• Experience leading outsourced and multi-supplier service environments.
• Experience managing major incidents, cyber security events and recovery activities.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget management and supplier governance.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including engagement with executive-level colleagues.
• Experience developing technology strategy and translating this into practical, deliverable plans.
• Relevant mid-high tier qualification in Cyber Security and Infrastructure e.g. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), Cisco CCNP Enterprise, Microsoft Associate-level accreditation, or equivalent, and are committed to keeping up to date with emerging technology. Knowledge of cyber security frameworks such as NIST or ISO27001.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)

Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

Flexible working whenever possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.

The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world.

Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust’s members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement.

The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.