At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations, manage vendor contracts, and mentor support teams.
- Company: Join RNN Group, a dynamic educational institution in Rotherham.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible work with potential for career growth and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on IT strategy and service delivery in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT helpdesk and project management; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32515 - 32515 € per year.
Hours: Full time (37 hours each week, all year round)
Duration: Permanent
Salary: £32,515 a year + benefits
Location: Rotherham College, Rotherham (with occasional travel to other campuses within RNN Group)
Closing date: 08/06/2026
About the Role
Are you a technical leader who can balance high-level strategy with hands-on service delivery? At RNN Group, we are looking for an IT Business Operations Lead to act as the engine room of our IT function. This isn't just a support role; it’s a vital partnership. You will serve as a key deputy to the Director of IT & Digital, bridging the gap between daily frontline workflows and the high-impact projects that drive our strategic roadmap. From managing complex vendor contracts to mentoring our 1st-line support team, you will be the glue that ensures our digital infrastructure is resilient, user-focused, and future-ready.
Why This Role?
- Operational Influence: Take the lead on the Group’s service delivery, ensuring we don’t just meet SLAs we exceed them.
- Strategic Impact: Play a pivotal role in the execution of key IT projects, ensuring new technologies are tested and transitioned seamlessly into the business.
- Commercial Leadership: Own the IT contract portfolio, using your commercial acumen to manage vendor relationships and ensure maximum value for the Group.
What You’ll Achieve
We need a versatile leader who can pivot from technical troubleshooting to commercial negotiation without missing a beat. In this role, you will:
- Lead with Excellence: Oversee the day-to-day IT Support function, driving a culture where every service request is handled with professionalism and speed.
- Empower Users: Move beyond 'quick fixes' by promoting self-help guidance and using data analysis to resolve underlying IT trends before they become problems.
- Manage Major Incidents: Act as the calm voice in a crisis, managing real-time communications across the Group Staff Portal during service outages.
- Partner and Deputy: Support the Director in departmental oversight, translating high-level goals into actionable plans for your team.
- Build Relationships: Act as a credible ambassador for IT, building strong links with students, staff, and external partners across all Group sites.
Is This You?
This role requires a unique 'dual-focus' mindset. You’ll need to be as comfortable reviewing a service level agreement (SLA) as you are leading a team through a technical outage. You are the right fit if you can:
- Manage Conflicting Demands: You can juggle the high-frequency pressure of a busy helpdesk with the focused, long-term discipline required for contract management.
- Lead Under Pressure: You remain professional and positive when things go wrong, ensuring tasks are prioritized and escalated correctly.
- Pivot Seamlessly: You have the 'operational versatility' to move from hands-on technical support to the administrative rigor needed for procurement and renewals.
- Communicate with Clarity: Whether it's a high-quality service report or a crisis update during a system impact, your communication is always professional and timely.
You Will
You are an experienced IT professional with a proven track record of supervising high-performing helpdesk teams. You lead by example, ensuring your team delivers a 'white-glove' service experience that is both professional and user-centric.
Your Experience & Skills
- Technical Leadership: Extensive experience in IT helpdesk environments, offering expert guidance on first-line queries and complex technical issues.
- Project & Vendor Management: A strong background in supporting IT infrastructure or software projects, alongside the commercial ability to manage vendor relationships and contracts.
- Effective Communication: The ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable advice for a diverse range of stakeholders.
Qualifications
- A Level 3 qualification in Business Administration, Customer Service, or an equivalent field.
- Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths (or a willingness to achieve these).
- Advantageous: Professional certifications in IT (e.g., ITIL) or Management/Leadership are highly desirable and will be supported as part of your ongoing professional development.
We understand that no candidate will perfectly match every qualification or criterion listed. If your experience differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply!
IT Business Operations Lead in Catcliffe employer: RNN Group
At RNN Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As an IT Business Operations Lead, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional development, offering opportunities for growth and advancement while working in the vibrant community of Rotherham. With a focus on exceeding service expectations and empowering users, you'll play a crucial role in shaping our digital landscape, all while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Business Operations Lead in Catcliffe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at RNN Group on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of IT Business Operations Lead. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for IT! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for technology and how you can contribute to RNN Group's mission. Let them see that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Business Operations Lead in Catcliffe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of IT Business Operations Lead. Highlight your experience in managing IT support teams and vendor relationships, and don’t forget to showcase your technical leadership skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to balance strategy with hands-on service delivery.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Whether it’s in your CV or cover letter, keep it professional yet approachable.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at RNN Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the technical aspects of the role. Understand the key IT concepts and tools mentioned in the job description, especially around service delivery and vendor management. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a leader but also a hands-on expert.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing a major incident or negotiating a contract. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges. This will demonstrate your operational versatility and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to talk about how you lead teams, especially in high-pressure situations. Share stories that highlight your ability to maintain professionalism and positivity while ensuring tasks are prioritised effectively. This will resonate well with their need for a calm voice during crises.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating complex technical information in a way that's easy to understand. Whether it's discussing SLAs or project updates, clear communication is key. You want to leave them with the impression that you can bridge the gap between technical jargon and user-friendly language.
