IT Operations Lead (Google Workspace focus)

Our client is looking for an experienced IT Operations Lead to lead a lean, geographically distributed IT team supporting its UK and US operations.

• Upto £70,000 per annum + bonus
• Onsite role with option to work from home on Thursdays
• The role will directly manage 2 Senior IT Analysts & will report to the Department Director

This is a strategic leadership role focused on people management, IT strategy, service performance, project delivery, vendor procurement, and security and compliance. You will line manage a team, set priorities, and ensure IT services support business objectives while meeting the requirements of Risk and Compliance.

You will own the IT roadmap, budget, vendor relationships, and IT control environment, including SOC 2, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR-related controls. You will also act as the primary IT contact for the parent company, working closely with senior stakeholders to manage risks, improve services, and drive delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage, coach, and develop the IT team, setting objectives and ensuring effective coverage across the UK and US.
• IT Strategy: Own the IT roadmap, infrastructure strategy, tooling, identity, security, and service improvements.
• Service Management: Oversee IT support performance, SLAs, KPIs, service quality, and continuous improvement.
• Project Delivery: Plan and manage the IT project portfolio, overseeing scope, timelines, risks, dependencies, and delivery.
• Vendor Management: Own IT procurement, vendor risk assessments, contracts, renewals, and supplier performance.
• Security & Compliance: Oversee IT controls, security policies, audit readiness, SOC 2, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR-related requirements.
• IT Estate & Stakeholders: Oversee platforms including Google Workspace, Okta, Slack, Salesforce, and endpoint environments, while managing the relationship with parent-company IT.
• Budget & Governance: Manage IT budgets, forecasting, cost control, documentation, and leadership reporting.

What They are Looking For

• Strong technical understanding of Google Workspace, (a must have!) Okta, Slack, Salesforce, Windows, macOS, identity, and endpoint management.
• Experience managing and developing an IT team, including performance management and coaching.
• Experience setting IT strategy, roadmaps, and priorities within a lean team.
• Strong project management experience across multiple IT initiatives.
• Experience owning vendor procurement, risk assessments, contracts, and renewals.
• Working knowledge of IT security and compliance frameworks, including SOC 2, Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or GDPR.
• Experience managing IT service performance through SLAs, KPIs, and service improvement initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.

Please note: This is a leadership and oversight position, not a hands-on IT support role. Previous line management experience is essential.