At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations and ensure a secure, reliable tech environment for innovative research.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency tackling global challenges with science and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days 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 in tech while supporting groundbreaking research initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 105000 € per year.
Salary: c. £105,000
Bonus: Discretionary
Location: Kings Cross, London (Tuesdays-Thursdays - 3 days in our office, Monday + Friday - anywhere)
Employment Type: Permanent, full time
About ARIA
ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on. We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between.
Role Summary
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.
What you’ll do
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 are 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: Aria
ARIA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Kings Cross, London, where innovation meets purpose. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ARIA provides extensive learning opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values collaboration and operational excellence. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including enhanced family leave, a robust pension scheme, and the chance to contribute to meaningful R&D initiatives that address global challenges.
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 ARIA’s mission and values. Understand their approach to R&D funding and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in IT operations and cyber security can drive ARIA’s mission forward. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the ARIA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the Head of IT Operations role. Don’t just repeat your CV; tell us why you’re passionate about ARIA and what unique skills you bring to the table.
Tailor Your CV:When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your expertise in IT operations, cyber security, and leadership.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to showcase your soft skills too! Highlight your ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and lead teams. We want to see how you can influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aria
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise IT operations, cyber security, and operational governance. Familiarise yourself with ARIA's mission and how technology plays a role in their R&D funding. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of IT Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage external partners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led IT operations in the past, particularly in MSP-supported environments. Highlight your experience in building strong relationships and driving performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential risks in IT operations and how you would address them. Be prepared to discuss your approach to incident response, disaster recovery, and ensuring operational resilience.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about ARIA's current IT challenges or how they envision the evolution of their operational technology landscape. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
