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- Tasks: Lead IT operations, manage teams, and ensure system security at RCN.
- Company: Join the RCN, a trade union supporting over half a million healthcare professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, up to 32 days annual leave, and an award-winning wellbeing programme.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on healthcare while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have IT leadership experience, knowledge of cyber security, and a customer-focused approach.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 67986 - 79999 £ per year.
IT | RCN Cardiff Gate Office with hybrid working | £79,482
Contract type: Permanent
Salary range per annum: £79,482 - £89,239*
There is more to the RCN than you might think. We’re a trade union with a membership of over half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students. We support their practice, represent them, lobby on their behalf, and develop them. We exist to make a positive difference – to the working lives of our members and ultimately to standards in patient care. Our employees are drawn from many walks of life – we are nurses, marketers and communicators, administrators, IT professionals, policy and finance experts, lawyers… together we are so much more. We couldn’t do what we do without our people.
We're accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.
As the Head of IT Operations, you’ll use your positive attitude, your knowledge of IT operational processes, systems and security and your ability to deliver exceptional day-to-day management of the invaluable IT operations functions and teams at the RCN. It's a job full of possibilities as you could get involved in anything from coaching and developing your team members to investigating security breaches, to managing the renewal and replacement of IT systems. We’ll look to you to take care of our key systems and the running of the operations function. It’s a great way to build your knowledge of our work and further develop your potential.
To join us you’ll need to be a technology professional with leadership and people management skills and, ideally, a background in the design and implementation of key IT systems, cyber security and experience in a large-scale organisation. Whatever your background, you'll be efficient, accurate and show a real customer focus in all you do.
To succeed at the Royal College of Nursing all you need to do is think bigger, better and brighter. And with an attitude like that, anything’s possible.
What we offer you:
- We expect you to look after your customers. And we expect you to be rewarded for it.
- We offer an impressive range of benefits, a broad range of learning development opportunities and an award-winning health and wellbeing programme.
- We offer annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break plus generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.
- We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression until you reach the top of the salary scale.
- We normally offer new employees the first point of the salary range, although you may be able to negotiate a higher starting salary depending on your skills, experience and current salary.
We are a diverse organisation and understand everyone has different needs and many of our employees enjoy flexible working enabling them to deliver results whilst having a good work life balance. Our hybrid working model allows for up to 60% of your working time to be carried out from home. At least 40% of your working time will be spent working in person.
Our selection process:
Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. You may not be shortlisted if you don’t. Please ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will automatically be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.
We want your experience applying for a job with us to be the best it can be. We may hold our interviews and assessments in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.
Equal opportunities for everyone:
Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients. As a proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.
Contact details:
For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Huw Bevan, AD of Group Technology Operations, Security & Data on 029 2089 3084. For more information about the recruitment and selection process please contact recruit@rcn.org.uk
Opening date: 18 June 2025
Closing date: 11.59pm on 8 July 2025
Selection dates: 23 July 2025 at Cardiff Gate
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RCN's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting nurses and improving patient care will help you align your responses during interviews and discussions, showcasing how your IT operations experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership and people management skills in conversations or networking opportunities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led IT teams, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coach and develop team members.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in IT operations and cyber security. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and best practices will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the healthcare IT sector. Engaging with others in similar roles can provide insights into the unique challenges faced by organisations like the RCN, allowing you to tailor your approach and show that you understand the specific needs of the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership and people management skills, as well as your experience in IT operations, cyber security, and large-scale organisations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage IT systems effectively.
Answer Supporting Questions: When prompted, provide clear and concise answers to the supporting questions. Focus on how your experience aligns with the criteria outlined in the job description, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and customer focus.
Keep It Simple: Ensure your CV is in a simple format with minimal tables and sections, as requested. This will help the hiring team easily read and assess your application without distractions.
Show Your Enthusiasm: In your application, convey your passion for IT operations and your commitment to making a positive difference in the working lives of others. A positive attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research the Royal College of Nursing and its mission. Understanding their commitment to supporting nurses and improving patient care will help you align your answers with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of IT Operations, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or improved processes. Highlight how your leadership style can contribute to the RCN's goals.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of IT operational processes, systems, and security. Prepare to explain how you've implemented key IT systems in previous roles and how you would approach managing IT operations at the RCN.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding security breaches or system management. Think of specific scenarios you've faced in the past and how you handled them, as this will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet.
