Head of IT Operations

DescriptionSummary:The Head of IT & Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational management of IT platforms and services with a focus on stability scalability security and modernisation across a hybrid technology ecosystem (cloud on-prem legacy systems). As an integral member of the Technology Management Team (TMT) reporting to the Head of Technology for Outsourcing UK Germany and Ireland the Head of IT Operations will be expected to line manage 5 sub functions andcollaborate across regional and global functions to deliver enterprise-grade platforms and services.The role also includes driving the adoption of enterprise technologies policies and best practices. The Head of IT & Operations will also be responsible for vendor evaluations managing internal and external audits and representing Technology in key enterprise forums. Additionally the role will contribute to global initiatives such as the Cyber Acceleration Programme and ensure alignment with global KPI assessments.Note: Out-of-hours cover may be expected occasionally with consultation among colleagues as required.The Role:Key Responsibilities include:Lead and oversee Platform Engineering Platform Support Evergreening (keeping systems current) Release Management Data Support Services DevOps and lifecycle support End-to-end infrastructureDrive a platform-first strategy enabling scalable secure and high-performing digital products.Champion operational excellence and technology transformation across hybrid environments.Ensure alignment of foundational services with business platform needs.Infrastructure & DevOps EnablementManage cloud enablement and optimisation across environments (e.g. Azure AWS Oracle) for cost-effectiveness and scalability. Inform investment and prioritisation decisions for platform initiatives ensuring alignment with business cases and strategic objectives.Oversee CI/CD pipeline development and tooling to support agile platform delivery and operations.Maintain strategic relationships with Managed Service providers to ensure resilient infrastructure and service delivery.Platform Support & OperationsDefine and manage platform service tiers SLAs and support models to ensure consistent high-performing operations.Champion platform observability analytics and change management for performance monitoring and continuous improvement.Coordinate enterprise-wide technology practices including audit readiness vendor evaluations global KPIs and cyber programmes.Implement and maintain security standards and access controls aligned with policies and industry best practices.Ensure high availability performance and security through proactive monitoring incident response and capacity planning.Collaborate with Solution Delivery teams to align platform capabilities with evolving business and technical needs.Platform EngineeringLead the design deployment and optimisation of platforms across cloud on-premises and legacy systems.Drive modernisation efforts to maintain platform currency and supportability.Evergreening & Technology Lifecycle ManagementDevelop strategies to modernise legacy systems and manage lifecycle upgrades patching and refreshes.Balance innovation with operational stability in hybrid environments.Release ManagementOversee planning coordination and execution of software and infrastructure releases across hosting models and environments.Implement robust release governance frameworks with quality assurance rollback procedures and minimal disruption.Promote automation and CI/CD practices to streamline deployments.Data Support ServicesLead data operations teams responsible for integration transformation and delivery across platforms.Ensure data availability quality and compliance with governance and privacy regulations.Support analytics reporting and business intelligence initiatives with scalable data services.QualificationsThe Requirements:Mindset Values & CapabilitiesLeads cross-functional transformation initiatives with executive and stakeholder alignment. Applies deep expertise across infrastructure application cloud and data architecture domains. Uses strategic KPIs and emerging technologies to guide platform evolution and inform decisions. Facilitates collaboration across business technology and cultural contexts. Combines emotional intelligence with technical leadership to guide diverse distributed teams. Evaluates industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.Technical CompetenciesComfortable with cloud-native platforms (Azure AWS) and infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform.Familiar with CI/CD systems GitOps workflows/ applying DevSecOps principles across environments.Proven ability to design and implement robust observability frameworks (monitoring logging tracing).Experienced in defining reusable architecture patterns API strategies and service mesh designs.Evaluates and integrates platform tooling ecosystems (e.g. Kubernetes Vault GitHub Enterprise).Applies deep subject matter expertise to resolve complex issues and implement lasting solutions.Translates technical complexity into clear actionable communication across business and IT audiences.Experience with hybrid cloud governance and policy enforcement.Familiar with container lifecycle management and Helm.Applied Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) principles to improve platform reliability and incident response.Implemented IAM and secrets management across cloud environments.Used automation tools like Ansible or GitHub Actions for configuration and deployment.Experience with FinOps or cloud cost optimisation tools. Familiarity with compliance tooling and audit automation. Exposure to hybrid cloud orchestration and policy enforcement.Leadership & StrategyCollaborates across senior leadership to shape high-impact platform strategies and systems thinking.Drives enterprise-wide transformation across infrastructure DevOps and architecture domains.Leads the adoption of platform-first principles across engineering and product delivery.Presents effectively to board-level audiences executive committees and governance forums.Demonstrates passion and commitment to the organisations future through visible leadership.Team Development & PerformanceBuilds high-performance platform teams through mentoring technical upskilling and strategic support.Guides teams to achieve measurable outcomes in high-pressure delivery-focused environments.Flexes leadership style across varied audiences and cultural contexts for maximum impact.Governance & Business AlignmentEmbeds governance compliance and audit readiness across platform lifecycle activities.Translates business objectives into actionable measurable platform enablement goals.Maintains accountability for consistent delivery continuous improvement and enterprise enablement.Stakeholder & Vendor EngagementInfluences and engages internal and external stakeholders through tailored strategic messaging.Communicates platform vision with clarity to rally teams around strategic outcomes.Manages vendor partnerships and complex third-party contract negotiations with confidence.Coordinates multi-team engagement and resource management across multiple disciplines.Establish unified platform architectureDeliver a fully aligned and documented platform architecture framework within 12 months incorporating cloud security integration and DevOps principles.Accelerate delivery velocityImprove delivery throughput by 25% within 12 months through reusable design patterns CI/CD automation and streamlined environment provisioning.Enhance platform resilience and supportReduce critical incident response time by 25% through strengthened platform observability service tiering and support models.Lead strategic transformation initiativesSuccessfully deliver at least 2 strategic transformation initiatives (e.g. cloud migration/optimisation cyber programme integration architecture modernisation) aligned to KPIs within 18 months.Equal opportunity employerChampions inclusive leadership and cultivates diverse high-trust teams.Creates spaces for authentic dialogue and ensures all voices are heard in technical forums.At WTW we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.Were committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers from the application process through to joining WTW please email Benefits - GBEnjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. Youll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare life insurance group income protection and regular health assessments all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options access to an employee assistance programme and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme share scheme cycle-to-work programme dental and optical cover critical illness protection and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Succession Planning,Growing Experience,Expense Management,Management Experience,Rackspace,Laboratory Management,Senior Leadership,Operations Management,Relationship Management,Leadership Experience,negotiation,Taxonomy Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1