At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Operational Resilience initiatives and oversee outsourced technology providers.
- Company: Join a respected Lloyd’s Managing Agency with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership exposure, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with senior leadership and drive impactful change in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operational resilience in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in Operational Resilience or IT Operations, with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a growing Lloyd’s Managing Agency to appoint a Head of Operations & IT who will play a pivotal role in strengthening the firm’s Operational Resilience capability and overseeing its outsourced technology estate.
This is not a traditional Head of IT position.
Instead, we’re looking for someone who has hands-on experience delivering Operational Resilience frameworks within the London Market and who enjoys working closely with third-party technology providers to ensure operational excellence.
You’ll be responsible for ensuring the business remains resilient, regulatory compliant, and operationally prepared, while acting as the key point of contact for outsourced IT, cyber security and operational service providers.
This is the perfect opportunity for someone with around 5–7 years' experience in Operational Resilience, IT Operations or Technology Governance who is looking to take the next step into a broader leadership role.
You’ll gain significant exposure to the COO, Executive Committee and Board Risk Committee, with the opportunity to shape operational resilience strategy within a highly respected Lloyd’s Managing Agency.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Resilience
- Own and continuously develop the Operational Resilience Framework
- Lead Important Business Services mapping and impact tolerance assessments
- Plan, coordinate and execute Operational Resilience scenario testing
- Own Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning, testing and continuous improvement
- Coordinate incident management and post-incident reviews
- Ensure compliance with Lloyd’s, PRA and FCA Operational Resilience requirements
- Maintain Operational Resilience documentation and regulatory submissions
- Third-Party IT & Supplier Governance
- Act as the primary relationship owner for outsourced IT, infrastructure and cyber security providers
- Hold suppliers accountable against agreed SLAs, KPIs and contractual obligations
- Chair regular supplier governance meetings
- Challenge service providers to drive continual improvement rather than simply monitoring performance
- Escalate operational issues and ensure timely resolution
- Oversee third-party operational risk and outsourcing governance
- Technology Governance & Cyber
- Maintain oversight of outsourced cloud and technology environments
- Review security controls, cyber governance and technology risk
- Support cyber resilience initiatives and ensure appropriate controls are in place
- Work alongside Risk, Compliance and external providers to maintain a strong control environment
- Governance & Reporting
- Produce Board and Executive reporting covering Operational Resilience, Business Continuity, supplier performance and operational risk
- Maintain operational risk registers and action trackers
- Present resilience testing outcomes and supplier performance metrics to senior leadership
- Support regulatory audits and governance activities
About You
You’ll already have experience within a Lloyd’s Managing Agency, London Market insurer or regulated insurance business and have played a key role delivering Operational Resilience initiatives.
You’ll understand how to work with outsourced technology partners, confidently challenge suppliers, and ensure they consistently deliver against agreed service levels.
Most importantly, you’ll have genuine experience leading Operational Resilience testing and Business Continuity planning.
- London Market or Lloyd’s insurance experience
- Operational Resilience ownership within a regulated insurance environment
- Hands-on experience leading Operational Resilience scenario testing
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning and testing
- Managing outsourced IT and cyber security providers
- Supplier governance, SLA and KPI management
- Strong understanding of PRA, FCA and Lloyd’s Operational Resilience requirements
- Experience presenting to senior leadership, Executive Committees or Board committees
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ideal Backgrounds
- Operational Resilience Manager
- Operational Resilience Lead
- IT Operations Manager
- Technology Operations Manager
- Business Continuity Manager
- IT Governance Manager
- Technology Governance Manager
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operations & IT in London employer: Michael James Associates
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of London’s insurance market. As a Data Product Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and offers unique opportunities to shape data-driven solutions. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive team environment, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations & IT in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Operations & IT at Michael James Associates!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Michael James Associates or be willing to refer you for that Head of Operations & IT position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Michael James Associates who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Operations & IT star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Operations & IT role at Michael James Associates!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations & IT in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Michael James Associates. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael James Associates
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Michael James Associates. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
