At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ARIA's IT operations, ensuring security and effectiveness across enterprise technology.
- Company: Join ARIA, a forward-thinking tech company in London with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and enhancing cyber security.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT operations and strong governance skills required.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 105000 € per year.
ARIA is seeking a senior technology operations leader to own our enterprise IT operations and operational technology services. As the Head of IT Operations, you are accountable for ensuring ARIA’s enterprise IT foundation environment is secure, resilient, reliable and operationally effective. You will lead the oversight and evolution of ARIA’s enterprise operational technology landscape – spanning cyber security, infrastructure operations, service provider management, SaaS application landscape governance, and end‑user IT experience. This is not a coordination role. It requires an experienced operator who can confidently own the service, drive performance, proactively identify risk and improvement opportunities, and ensure technology effectively enables ARIA’s mission.
What you’ll do
- Enterprise IT Operations & Service Leadership
- Lead ARIA’s IT Operations function and continuously evolve the organisation’s operational technology maturity, resilience and effectiveness.
- Own accountability for ARIA’s enterprise IT operations and operational service environment, ensuring services are stable, secure, reliable and aligned to organisational needs.
- Act as the senior accountable lead for ARIA’s MSP and operational technology partners, holding providers to account against SLAs, contractual obligations and continuous improvement objectives.
- Drive a culture of operational excellence, proactive service improvement and enablement‑first IT operations.
- Cyber Security, Risk & Operational Governance
- Maintain accountability for ARIA’s enterprise operational cyber security posture, operational technology risks, resilience planning and compliance obligations.
- Lead governance frameworks, operational standards, policies and controls across enterprise IT domains to ensure proportionate and effective risk management.
- Oversee incident response readiness, disaster recovery planning, operational resilience and security assurance activities.
- Partner with leadership teams to translate operational technology risks into clear organisational decisions and priorities.
- Ensure ARIA’s enterprise IT controls, security foundations and support models evolve to safely enable AI‑native ways of working, including increased use of AI tools, automation, data platforms and bespoke technical solutions.
- Enterprise Infrastructure & Operational Technology Stewardship
- Oversee ARIA’s enterprise operational infrastructure, cloud environments, identity and access management, SaaS estate, devices and core operational systems.
- Maintain visibility and governance across ARIA’s enterprise operational technology assets, ensuring systems remain secure, supportable and operationally sustainable.
- Lead the management and oversight of enterprise application lifecycle management, rationalisation, operational supportability and cost optimisation.
- Ensure enterprise IT services effectively support organisational productivity, operational continuity and secure collaboration.
- Leadership, Strategy & Organisational Partnership
- Lead and develop a high‑performing IT Operations function, including internal team members, contractors and managed service providers.
- Build strong relationships across ARIA to ensure enterprise technology services effectively support organisational effectiveness and user experience.
- Partner closely with the Head of Engineering & Platforms to ensure operational resilience, enterprise compliance and security considerations are effectively embedded across organisational technology initiatives.
- Contribute to organisation‑wide technology governance, standards and roadmap discussions across operational and enablement domains.
- Provide clear reporting, insight and assurance to senior leadership on operational performance, security resilience and enterprise technology risks.
- Collaborate closely with the wider ARIA team and Programme Directors to deliver a seamless IT environment that empowers, rather than restricts, ambitious R&D initiatives.
Who you are
- An experienced technology operations leader with significant experience leading IT operations within MSP‑supported or outsourced environments.
- Technically credible across enterprise infrastructure, cyber security, cloud platforms and operational resilience.
- Strong governance and risk management capability, with experience building operational standards, controls and assurance mechanisms.
- Experienced working across cyber security and regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, NCSC CAF, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.
- Commercially astute and comfortable managing vendors, contracts, procurement and service performance.
- An excellent communicator and relationship builder who can influence across technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Experienced leading blended capability models comprising internal teams, contractors, MSPs and specialist partners.
- Comfortable balancing strategic control, enablement, operational reliability and organisational needs in a fast‑moving environment.
- A pragmatic and trusted leader with strong judgement and an enablement‑first mindset.
Desirable
We are a Google‑native organisation. If you’ve worked in this environment before, that’s great – if not, don’t let it stop you from applying; we’re more interested in your expertise than your current toolkit.
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days
- Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave arrangements
- A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme
- Life Assurance
- 2 days of paid volunteer days
- 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- An excellent office location in Kings X, London
How to apply
Please submit your current CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability. We pride ourselves on reviewing every application personally. Note: A cover letter is required to be considered. Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests is intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process. ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility.
Head of IT Operations in London employer: Advanced Research & Invention Agency
At ARIA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive learning environment, hybrid working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced family leave and a generous pension scheme. Join us to lead transformative IT operations while enjoying a vibrant office location and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking organisation.
Contact Detail:
Advanced Research & Invention Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to IT operations. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of IT Operations. Highlight your leadership skills and any successful projects you've led that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and manage risks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are excited about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of IT Operations role. Highlight your experience in IT operations, cyber security, and vendor management. We want to see how your skills align with what ARIA is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for technology operations and how you can contribute to ARIA’s mission. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and achievements. Talk about how you've built high-performing teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles. We want to know how you lead by example!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we review every application personally, so make sure yours stands out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Research & Invention Agency
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise IT operations, cyber security, and operational resilience. Familiarise yourself with ARIA's specific needs and challenges in these areas, so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of IT Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed vendors, and driven performance improvements in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence across different levels of an organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to manage risks or improve operational processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about ARIA's current IT challenges, their vision for operational excellence, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
