Technology Operations Director (2 Year FTC)

Technology Operations Director (2 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Salary: £100,000 – £110,000 per annum

Department: Technology, Chief Operating Office

Contract : Fixed Term for 2 years

Hours: Full-time (we’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements)

Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (typically 1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date: 2nd December

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone determined, someone like you.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technology Operations Director to join us.

In this position, you’ll be a transformative leader, responsible for driving operational excellence and enterprise capabilities that support back-office functions such as Digital Workplace, Finance, and HR. This role combines strategic leadership in IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity with a commitment to enhancing service quality, supporting business-critical functions, and empowering teams through change. This role will also ensure operational resilience, whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and prioritising end-user satisfaction and engagement.

In a supportive working environment, you’ll discover something new every day, whether it’s a new connection, a new method of engagement or a talent you never knew you had. You’ll also be surrounded by people who are as dedicated to beating cancer as you are.

What will be some of the main responsibilities?

• Ensure IT infrastructure and services are resilient, secure, and capable of supporting critical business operations without interruption.
• Enhance IT service quality, responsiveness, and reliability to meet internal customer needs and elevate the user experience.
• Develop and implement strong incident management and escalation processes to ensure rapid and efficient response to issues.
• Ensure end-to-end continuity and availability of critical externally-facing digital services including dependant services
• Lead and implement cybersecurity strategies to protect the organisation from threats, safeguard data, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Act as a trusted partner to business units, particularly in back-office functions (e.g., Digital Workplace, Finance, HR), understanding their needs and delivering solutions that drive efficiency and satisfaction.
• Develop and support scalable enterprise capabilities, including systems for Finance, HR, and other corporate functions, to drive operational efficiency and digital transformation.
• Implement and maintain modern digital workplace tools, such as collaboration platforms, remote work solutions, and employee self-service portals, to enhance colleague productivity and engagement.
• Facilitate close collaboration between development and operations teams, ensuring that applications are built and deployed for maximum reliability and scalability.
• Develop, inspire, and empower the Technology Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, customer-centricity, and innovation.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring delivery of high-quality services and value-for-money solutions.

What skills are we looking for?

• Proven leadership in Technology operations, particularly during times of transformation and strategic change.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud management, and digital workplace solutions, especially for back-office functions.
• Expertise in ITIL, service management, and change management, with a focus on customer and end-user experience.
• Extensive experience in cybersecurity principles, incident management, and regulatory compliance.
• Significant experience of collaborating effectively with business units and tailor IT services to meet their unique requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of motivating and leading teams.
• Significant experience of leading and developing high performing teams of specialists across a broad range of potential disciplines, and proven track record in managing, recruiting and developing talent.

What will I gain?

Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that’s impressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies and processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.

Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us.

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