IT Operations Lead

NO SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE WITH THIS POSITION, SO ALL APPLICANTS MUST ALREADY HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UKThe IT Operations Lead (Physical Machinery i.e scanners, scales, laptops and software experience is required)Full time onsite in Rainham Essex About Frive:Frive stands for Food to Thrive - we help busy people thrive not only because our meals are healthy, balanced and made with 100% whole foods/ natural ingredients, but also because they’re ready to heat and eat in minutes - saving you an hour a day, or up to 7 hours a week, for what matters most.We're the UK's highest-rated meal prep brand, with over 20 million meals delivered, and we’re just getting started. Now we’re looking for a new IT Operations Lead to keep everything running in our Rainham Factory. We work with people from all different backgrounds and communities and recognise our own biases. We strive to create a strong sense of belonging and believe we will be better equipped to achieve our goals by building a team that approaches problems from different angles, using different perspectives and experiences to solve problems. All qualified applicants will be considered and we have no regard for age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation the more the merrier, and together we can achieve greatnessThe IT Operations Lead ensures all technology, infrastructure, and operational systems across Frive run smoothly and securely. This role is responsible for day-to-day IT operations, system uptime, security, hardware and software management, and supporting the business to stay online, efficient, and productive. This includes maintaining the reliability of key operational equipment such as scanners, printers, and scales used in fulfilment and production.This is an on-site position based in Rainham and is perfect for someone looking to take their next step into IT management, with the opportunity to grow alongside the business as it continues to scale and improve its technology and operational capabilities.This role will have stakeholders across the business from multiple sites, including:Rainham – Operations and HR teams Canary Wharf – Marketing, Product, Data, and Finance teamsIn 2026, Frive will be implementing a new ERP system. This project will be managed by a newly recruited ERP Manager, and you will be required to work closely with them, supporting implementation, planning, and ensuring successful technical integration across the organisation.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational ContinuityMaintain the uptime and smooth functioning of all IT systems, networks, devices, and tools.Ensure continuous support for production, order processing, fulfilment, and distribution systems.Security & ComplianceOversee cybersecurity measures and data protection practices.Manage user access, permissions, and adherence to security best practices across the business.Hardware & InfrastructureManage on-site devices including printers, scanners, production-floor technology, laptops, WiFi infrastructure, and other operational equipment.Ensure rapid response and resolution to hardware failures and system downtime.User Support & TroubleshootingProvide fast, effective IT support to fulfilment teams, warehouse staff, production operators, and office employees.Resolve issues that impact operational efficiency or customer delivery.Vendor & External Partner ManagementMaintain and manage relationships with IT service providers, hosting partners, security vendors, and hardware suppliers.Coordinate escalations and ensure service levels are met.Team ManagementLead and support a small team of 2–3 junior IT staff.Set clear priorities, balance workloads, and ensure consistent coverage during crucial operational periods.Process & System ImprovementsIdentify inefficiencies in systems and workflows.Implement scalable IT processes, documentation, and policies to support business growth.Success Looks LikeZero unplanned downtime across critical systems.Secure, compliant, and well-maintained tech infrastructure.Fast, effective internal support that keeps fulfilment, production, and customer operations running seamlessly.A proactive IT environment that supports reliability and efficiency every day.About youAside from strong knowledge and application in their field of technology you will require:Excellent communication skills – you will be dealing with a wide variety of stakeholders with differing levels of technology skillsets.Calm under pressure – we are close to 24/7 business with 4 delivery days a week and something always going on. When downtimes do occur it’s important to keep a calm head, understand the facts and troubleshoot with the resources you have at your disposal to get operations back on track.Ability to prioritise tasks – As with any growing company there are a million tasks to do. The most successful employees at Frive are the ones who understand this, document the changes and build a roadmap to take their department to the next level.Mission:We help busy people enjoy natural, healthy eating with ready-to-eat meals delivered to their door, proven to support their health goals.Vision:To transform health by revolutionising eating habits and restoring food to its natural form.Values:Empowerment: We empower our people to make strong, independent decisions with confidenceTransparency: We share information openly and with intentionOpen Communication: We communicate directly and honestlyHigh Performance: We foster an environment that attracts, retains, and rewards high performanceAgility: We encourage flexibility in our people by reducing blockers and prioritising their creativity and productivityStaff BenefitsPrivate Medical Insurance25 days Holiday + PublicBonus SchemeA discount on our amazing foodCycle to Work SchemeHybrid working patternEnhanced parental leaveWhat's next?If you are interested in learning more about the role and think this could be for you, then don't hesitate and apply now. We look forward to hearing from you and love hearing from people who are passionate about our purpose and vision.