Group IT Operations Director - Business Operations

Recent growth and a transformative acquisition, which has doubled the size of the business and extended its reach geographically, particularly into the US, has created the need for a Group IT Operations Director for the LBR business. The role presents a unique opportunity to work closely with the COO to help build a top quartile IT Operations function, integrating the recently acquired US business and developing an IT infrastructure suitable in supporting the business as it works towards its growth plans.

LBR is an extremely successful, Private Equity backed business. After significant growth during its investment period, including a major piece of M&A, the business was acquired by ICG in 2024, a FTSE listed, large cap PE fund. ICG and management have high ambitions for the business, strongly believing that in the next cycle it can be turned into a £1bn+ enterprise value platform. Given the business has grown consistently at 10% + CAGR in recent years there is a desire to invest further in talent to anchor the future success of the business. This role is one of those critical talent investments.

LBR is a B2B legal information and data services providing both business and practice of law services to the global legal services market, a huge part of the economy which continues to grow. The company also provides complimentary events and training services alongside its primary data services subscription division, providing a ‘ecosystem’ of offerings to its customers, driving high retention and growth.

It is a strategically stated intent of both ICG and management to grow the business through aggressive M&A options as well as organic growth over the next 4-5 years, capitalising on the significant market opportunity. LBR currently has revenue of £90m and EBITDA of £40m but the recent acquisition will double these numbers.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the global TOM for onshore, nearshore, offshore IT Operations, ensuring scalability and alignment with strategic business needs.
• End-to-end ownership of internal IT operations, infrastructure, service management, and delivery excellence across the globe and partner ecosystems.
• Lead IT security strategy and implementation, including IT risk management, governance, and alignment with relevant frameworks.
• Build and maintain IT governance structures, ensuring compliance, business continuity, and proactive risk mitigation.
• Oversee relationships with third-party IT vendors and offshore providers, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
• Drive operational excellence and adoption of Microsoft O365 and other core business applications.
• Play a pivotal role in post-merger IT integration and due diligence processes.
• Lead and mentor a global IT team and outsourced technical partners.
• Collaborate with business leaders and stakeholders to drive IT strategy aligned with overall business growth.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• 8-10 years track record as IT Operations Director / Head of IT Operations in fast-paced, growing organisation.
• Experience operating within Private Equity environments and navigating change, performance improvement, and transformation in a fast-paced PE environment.
• Expertise in IT Security, IT Governance, Risk Management, and Vendor Management.
• Deep understanding of post-merger IT integration and IT due diligence processes.
• Familiarity with leading enterprise applications, particularly Microsoft 365 Suite.
• Strong leadership skills managing both internal teams and offshore partners.
• Hands-on with the ability to lead strategic direction while managing operational detail.
• Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to gain trust and drive adoption of new IT Strategy to global stakeholders.
• Self-starter, who is results driven and can operate under pressure in a fast-moving PE environment.
• Ability to succeed in an ambiguous changing environment.

Benefits

Our people are our most valuable asset, as such, we offer a wide range of benefits to help ensure that all are supported:

• Start of employment: Eye care, Employee Assistance Programme, A day off for your birthday.
• After 3 months employment: Pension (4% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution).
• After 4 months employment: Life assurance.
• After probation: Cycle to work scheme, Season ticket loan, £350 annual wellbeing allowance to contribute to gym memberships or fitness classes, Puregym access, Perks at work platform access.
• After 1 year service: Private healthcare.
• Additional Perks: Company socials, Access to Employee Affinity Networks, Mentoring scheme, Volunteering Day, Mortgage Advice, Work from anywhere (2 weeks), Generous parental leave.

We are committed to making our organisation an inclusive, respectful & engaging place to work with a culture shaped by our core values that promote equality, collaboration & respect in everything we do. We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident Scheme, meaning we are committed to being inclusive and accessible, which starts with our application and recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments to be made, please let us know as part of our application page.