Head of IT Operations & Security

Role: Head of IT Operations & Security

Salary: £70,455

Location: Cardiff (hybrid)

The Opportunity

Yolk Recruitment is excited to be working with an innovation-driven civil service organisation as they journey through incredible projects while prioritising forward-thinking and excellent digital practices.

Role Overview:

This key leadership role within the Digital team is responsible for overseeing IT Operations, QA, Release Management, and Cyber security. The role involves managing a team of 8 and a budget of approximately £1m. The organization is undergoing a digital transformation, focusing on delivering new services and enhancing digital capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Strategy & Operations:

1. Develop and implement the IT strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and growth.
2. Ensure critical IT services (e.g., service desk, end-user devices, cyber security, infrastructure, application support) are reliable, performant, and meet service quality SLAs.
3. Oversee IT operations, including infrastructure, systems, and support functions.
4. Collaborate on business continuity and disaster recovery plans, testing and enhancing operational resilience.
5. Optimize IT services for cost-effectiveness and user value, managing technical debt.

IT Security:

1. Serve as the main point of contact for IT security issues and build strong relationships with stakeholders and external partners.
2. Develop and execute an IT security strategy to mitigate risks and protect services and digital assets.
3. Lead initiatives to enhance IT security awareness, implement best practices, and improve security capabilities.
4. Manage security operations, guiding the team to resolve alerts and incidents.
5. Conduct risk and vulnerability assessments and ensure the achievement of required certifications.
6. Oversee incident response plans and ensure timely resolutions.

Quality Assurance & Change Management:

1. Manage the process, tools, and guidelines for governing IT solution changes.
2. Ensure new and existing digital services are planned, tested, and released in a controlled manner.
3. Work with the QA/Test Lead to define testing strategies, ensuring all acceptance criteria are met before deployment.
4. Prioritize, plan, and communicate service changes, ensuring clear roles for stakeholders and third parties.
5. Oversee support and changes to legacy systems and internal IT services, including finance, HR, and CRM systems.

Team Leadership & Governance:

1. Lead and guide the IT Operations, Security, QA, and Change Management teams.
2. Develop and enforce governance, policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
3. Represent the IT function at senior levels, including audits and assessments.
4. Manage the IT and Security budget, providing updates on expenditure and forecasting.
5. Identify opportunities for cost savings and ensure value for money in IT services.

Vendor Management & Partnerships:

1. Collaborate with third-party vendors and partners to drive innovation and improve IT and security practices.
2. Lead procurement and supplier management, working with colleagues to evaluate and contract suppliers.
3. Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and performance.

Benefits:

1. 31 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, and 2 Privilege days
2. Flexible and hybrid working
3. Generous employer contribution of 28.97%
4. Time off for wellbeing activities
5. Green car scheme
6. Cycle2Work and season travel tickets
7. Access to subsidised sports groups

Think this one's for you?

If you think this Head of IT Operations & Security opportunity is for you, then please apply online.