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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical operations and manage UCAS's IT production estate for optimal performance.
- Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting students to higher education in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 30 days leave, discounts, training, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team driving digital innovation in higher education with impactful solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing suppliers, knowledge of agile practices, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence key technology decisions and work in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 68000 £ per year.
UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education.
UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.
We’re a successful and fast-growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We\’re committed to delivering a first-class service to all of our customers — they\’re at the heart of everything we do.
Business Unit Description
The Digital Services business unit is at the heart of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS\’ digital products and services.
The unit is dedicated to developing and improving customer-centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis, often made available to anyone with free-to-use intuitive dashboard, Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. By working in collaborative, expert led, multi-disciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.
About The Role Contractual Hours
35.00
About The Role
Reporting to the Technical Operations Lead, the Technical Operations Manager is responsible for the technical oversight and management of the UCAS IT production estate. They will provide technical leadership working closely with colleagues in architecture, data science, product and Platform Engineering, IT Operations and external partners and suppliers to ensure a stable, high performing production estate.
They will support the Technical Operations Lead in ensuring technology readiness for key events such as Confirmation and Clearing.
They will provide technical leadership with regards to supplier management, ensure all suppliers and 3rd parties perform according to required SLAs and to industry best practices.
They will be responsible for subject matter expertise and management oversight of the on-premise data centre, network, end user computing and building technology.
Key accountabilities:
- Provide technical leadership with regards to supplier management, ensuring all suppliers and 3rd parties perform according to required SLAs and to best industry practices.
- Support and represent the Technology Operations Lead in supplier performance reviews.
- Be responsible for subject matter expertise and management oversight of the on-premise data centre, network, end user computing and building technology.
For a Full Job Description See Attached Role Profile.
Skills, qualifications, and experience
- Significant experience of managing third party suppliers and /or a technology partner (including with offshore capability). Being able to demonstrate the ability to assess cost effectiveness of supplier/partner services and contracts and maximise their benefit to UCAS.
- Knowledge of agile ways of working, specifically scaled agile (SAFe).
- Solid understanding of standardised IT Operations functions such as ITIL. ITIL Certification is desirable.
- Strong planning and organisational skills, including the ability to manage several workstreams simultaneously.
- The ability to perform well under pressure, with strong problem-solving and negotiating skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to influence stakeholders up to Exec level, and across the organisation.
Package
Salary – up to – £68,000
- 30 days annual leave (plus 3 concessionary days over Christmas and your bank holidays!)
- Flexibility – UCAS positively supports Hybrid working for its employees, meaning you can work between home and the office in a way that suits you and the business and also has a comprehensive Flexible Working Policy
- A generous pension scheme
- Hundreds of high street discounts and offers with Perkbox
- Internal training and development
- Subsidised gym and café
- Be rewarded for going above and beyond with our ex-gratia bonus scheme and Celebrating U, our quarterly employee recognition scheme
- Dedicated volunteer employee networks promoting wellbeing, awareness and inclusion
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Technical Operations Manager employer: UCAS
Contact Detail:
UCAS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UCAS and its mission. Understanding their commitment to connecting students with higher education will help you align your experience and values with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing third-party suppliers, especially if you have worked with offshore capabilities. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've maximised the benefits of supplier services in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of ITIL and agile methodologies, particularly scaled agile (SAFe). Being able to speak confidently about these frameworks will demonstrate your technical leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your problem-solving and negotiation skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges under pressure, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Technical Operations Manager position. Highlight key skills such as supplier management, IT operations knowledge, and agile methodologies in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience and skills that align with the job. Emphasise your technical leadership abilities, experience with third-party suppliers, and any certifications like ITIL that you possess.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and UCAS's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the Digital Services business unit and enhance their technical operations.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCAS
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Technical Operations Manager role entails. Familiarise yourself with UCAS's mission and how the Digital Services unit contributes to it. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing third-party suppliers and your understanding of IT operations functions like ITIL. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led technical projects or improved operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role requires strong problem-solving abilities, think of scenarios where you've had to troubleshoot issues under pressure. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Interaction
Given the need for excellent interpersonal skills, consider how you would engage with various stakeholders, including those at the executive level. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decisions or managed relationships in previous roles.
