Head of IT Operations
Information Commissioner's Office -
You'll drive innovative strategies, foster a culture of excellence, and champion flexible working practices to boost team performance and engagement. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly which can include compressed hours and alternative working patterns, whilst achieving remarkable organisational goals.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.
As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.
Job description
The purpose of the post is to lead the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) IT Operations department.
The Head of IT Operations leads a team whose day to day responsibilities include active management of IT services in areas including IT Helpdesk, Major Incident Management, Applications monitoring, Change Management, Problem Management and Infrastructure Support.
The role will work closely with stakeholders and IT specialists to ensure adequate and appropriate IT policies and procedures are deployed across the ICO’s overall IT landscape.
The post holder supports the alignment of business objectives and the Digital and IT strategy from an operational perspective. A key outcome for the role is ensuring the ICO is continually at the forefront in the delivery of Digital and IT services, procedures and technology.
In addition, the role will work closely with the Head of Digital Design and Delivery, Head of Product and the Head of Cyber Security which all report to the Director of Digital and IT.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage IT Operations activity to support the delivery of the ICO’s digital and IT objectives outlined in the ICO’s strategic plans.
- Provide leadership to teams within the ICO. This may be through the direct management of staff or through collaboration with teams and IT specialists on the delivery of Digital and IT plans that delivers effective and efficient services.
- Continually review digital and IT requirements and deliverables against the emerging requirements, ICO strategic plans and other business plans / targets to ensure that technology, staff and resources are appropriately delivered.
- Understand the evolving digital and IT landscape and organisational objectives in order to identify emerging operational challenges and opportunities.
- Lead on the IT governance and improvement service.
- Manage the documentation of the current and future Digital an IT services.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the IT Operations function and recommend appropriate strategies to ICO teams, the Director of Digital and IT, or appropriate governance boards
- Engage with relevant external stakeholders, collaborating where appropriate, to develop suitable Digital and IT solutions in areas of common concern or joint working.
Person specification
Essential criteria assessed at application stage:
- Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
- Significant and diverse Digital and IT services experience (5+ years).
- Experience of owning the delivery of Digital and IT services and strategies.
- Experience of IT procurement, public sector procurement rules and contract management.
- Knowledge of the regulatory environment and the public sector generally.
- Broad knowledge of all aspects of IT technology, in particular Microsoft OS’s, applications and cloud offerings.
Essential criteria assessed during interview:
- Excellent understanding of Digital and IT Services and Operations.
- Knowledge of change management and problem to deliver a modern, fit for purpose digital and IT service.
- Knowledge of the regulatory environment and the public sector generally.
- Broad knowledge of all aspects of IT technology, in particular Microsoft OS’s, applications and cloud offerings.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Personally Effective – excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise and delegate.
- Ability to seek out, manage and influence opportunities for continuous improvement and change.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk
Closing Date
Please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability to the role by 23:59, Sunday 30th March
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
