PS Head of ICT Operations

This is a critical business focused role. Responsible for the leadership and management of the SIA’s ICT operational technology area. Reporting into the Deputy Director of Technology, Data and AI you are responsible for implementation of the operational technology impacts linked to the Digital Change Programme.

The role is directly responsible for a team of technologists and maintaining performant digital services during the term of appointment and will need to work closely with other leads to ensure core business services are supporting and collaborating with the various change programmes.

Reporting Relationships: Deputy Director Technology, Data & AI

Responsibilities:

• Leadership - Lead team of c10-12 technologists
• Technology - Lead internal IT operations (Service Desk, Cloud & Infrastructure, M365) to ensure reliable, secure and user-centred services.
• Manage outsourced suppliers at senior operational levels to ensure delivery of high-quality business applications and services to agreed SLAs and value-for-money standards.
• Ensure the technical architecture and infrastructure provides resilience, scalability and compliance with security standards.
• Lead / subject matter expect and interface for the business on ICT technology matters, including leading on setting up technology services in the new Manchester office including service desk provision.
• Working with the digital programme leads, ensure any changes made in the progamme space can operate alongside the delivery of existing ICT services whilst actively contributing to the business change agenda and SIA’s strategic goals.
• Lead on service improvement and innovation in technology delivery focused on cost efficiency, effective change and the right operating model for technology aligned to the SIA’s Data & Digital Strategy and change programme goals
• Standard service management routines (following good industry practice)
• Tight control including incident management, improvements in change / problem resolution and architectural traps which may need to be resolved in the short to medium term (or as a prerequisite to transformation)
• Reporting, finance and governance: Support the Deputy Director in budgetary oversight of the operational technology budget [of c£4-5m per annum]. This requires regularly reporting, management and spend control to be maintained.
• Establish tight control of spending on ICT services and new investment and ensure value for money
• Cybersecurity and risk management: ensuring robust defences against cyber threats, and managing risks related to technology delivery and commercial engagements.
• Manage and/or mitigate technical risks to the SIA’s data, information, and ICT assets and to ensure the SIA is compliant with data legislation
• Ensure organisaitonal security and compliance policies are in place and implemented across the technology systems and services.
• Stakeholder management - maintain good senior operational relationships with third-party technology providers, ensuring accountability and driving performance across both business-as-usual and transformation activities.
• Proactive engagement with stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Manage and oversee third party providers deployed to undertake services that supplement the in-house technology service. Act as senior relationship owner for those service providers, commercial relationships and contracts., The role is office based; Manchester, or London. Our offices are in Canary Wharf and we are negotiating further office estate in Manchester for early 2027. We offer hybrid working for office-based roles and flexible working arrangements (subject to business needs). It is important that as a senior leader, you are able commit to and role model visibility with an emphasis of regularly meeting physically with your direct reports and team. For this senior leadership role, office based terms would require a minimum of two days per week of office attendance.

• Strong leadership and management abilities, with a proven track record of managing and motivating technology teams, resource management, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Experience of managing ICT operations to defined service standards and related contractual arrangements.
• Expertise in network management, including the design, implementation, and maintenance of secure and scalable network infrastructure.
• Results oriented with a strong track record of managing complexity and risk whilst maintaining high standards of customer service.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of information security good practices, including risk management, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with ability to facilitate, influence and lead collaborative working with stakeholders from across the business, able to negotiate, and build strong relationships with partners at all levels.
• Expertise in release and deployment management, ensuring smooth and controlled transitions of new or updated services into the live environment.
• Experience in cybersecurity management, in particular developing and implementing robust security frameworks to protect organisational assets, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and responding to emerging threats.