Studio IT Lead in Liverpool

Wushu Studios is seeking an experienced and proactive Studio IT Lead to take full ownership of our IT operations. You will lead and manage our on-site IT team, own infrastructure and network operations, and ensure the smooth, secure, and efficient running of all IT systems. This is a hands-on lead role critical to the day-to-day productivity of our development teams.

You will be responsible for ensuring our IT systems support the studio’s growth, collaborating with Keywords Studios on wider IT initiatives while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency to guarantee developer uptime and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Full ownership of Wushu’s IT operations, including infrastructure, network architecture, hardware, and security.
• Line management of IT Technicians, including recruitment, training, goal setting, performance reviews, and career development.
• Develop and implement IT strategy, ensuring alignment with Wushu’s business goals and Keywords' standards.
• Design and maintain asset tracking systems for hardware lifecycle management, allocation, and procurement.
• Own and enforce IT ticket triage, prioritisation, SLAs, and ensure timely resolution of support issues.
• Act as the primary escalation point for Tier 2/3 technical issues, mentoring the IT team to upskill their capabilities.
• Manage studio network infrastructure, including VLAN configurations, VPNs, site-to-site routing, and client-specific network requirements.
• Ensure robust endpoint management (Windows patching, AD/LDAP administration, automation via PowerShell or equivalent).
• Maintain high security standards, including implementing policies and processes for endpoint protection, network security, and compliance.
• Collaborate with Keywords IT on infrastructure transitions, process alignment, and ServiceNow integration.
• Manage local vendor relationships for day-to-day IT purchases, coordinating with Keywords for larger procurement as needed.
• Prepare for and support client demos and visits, ensuring critical systems and environments are fully operational.
• Support remote work infrastructure, troubleshooting remote access solutions, and optimising developer experience.

Essential:

• Proven experience as an IT Operations Lead, with a strong track record of managing and developing technical teams.
• Prior experience in a video games development studio or fast-paced technical environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of:
• Windows infrastructure, Active Directory, LDAP
• PowerShell or equivalent scripting for automation
• Networking concepts (VLANs, VPNs, routing, diagnostics)
• Hardware lifecycle management and procurement processes
• Security best practices (endpoint and network security)
• Experience with IT ticketing systems and workflow management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, capable of resolving Tier 2/3 technical issues.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing IT teams.
• Exceptional organisational and communication abilities.

Desirable:

• Experience with ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms.
• CompTIA A+ or equivalent certification.
• Cisco CCNA or equivalent networking knowledge.
• ITIL Foundation understanding.
• Familiarity with Linux environments (beneficial but not essential).
• Experience scaling IT operations in a growing organisation.

Role Information:

• Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
• Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
• Working Pattern: In-Office
• Benefits: Group Income Protection, Group Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, Bonus, 25 days Holiday (plus 8 bank holidays), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Enhanced Employer Pension Contributions, Cyclescheme, Tech Scheme