Head of IT Operations

The Head of IT Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership of IT infrastructure, cloud, network, and telephony systems, supporting mission-critical services across port terminals, shipping operations, and commercial offices. This role is pivotal in ensuring IT operations are resilient, secure, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the maritime and port services industry, delivering high performance across a complex operational landscape.

Client Details

The employer is a well-established organisation in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry.

Description

The Head of IT Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership of IT infrastructure, cloud environments, network, and telephony systems, supporting mission-critical services across port terminals, shipping operations, and commercial offices. This role is pivotal in ensuring IT operations are resilient, secure, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the maritime and port services industry, delivering high performance across a complex, 24/7 operational landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

* Define and implement IT operations strategy tailored to the unique challenges of maritime logistics, port terminal operations, and supply chain ecosystems.

* Drive operational maturity through standards, policies, and service models aligned with global shipping and trade environments.

* Partner with business and operational leaders to anticipate and support digital transformation initiatives across terminals and logistics hubs.

Infrastructure & Cloud Management

* Lead the architecture and lifecycle management of hybrid infrastructure supporting all operations, both onshore and offshore.

* Oversee cloud infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Azure) for scalability, performance, and disaster resilience across geographically dispersed operations.

* Implement automation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and DevOps practices to modernize deployments and reduce downtime.

Network & Telephony

* Ensure secure and high-availability networks across port terminals, remote logistics sites, and central offices-including LAN/WAN, fibre, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, and VPN connectivity.

* Manage operational and technical delivery of voice communications, including VoIP systems, contact centres, maritime radio integration, and unified communications platforms like Microsoft Teams.

* Maintain continuous communication coverage and resilience for mission-critical operational systems in real-time port environments.

IT Service Management

* Oversee operational excellence in IT service delivery, applying ITIL principles to support change, incident, and problem management in both office and field environments.

* Define and monitor SLAs and KPIs aligned to the uptime demands of port infrastructure, vessels, and ERP environments.

* Collaborate with logistics and operations teams to maintain IT service reliability for crane automation, yard management systems, and terminal access control.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

* Collaborate with the cybersecurity function to secure infrastructure against threats targeting critical national infrastructure, including OT (Operational Technology) environments.

* Ensure compliance with maritime, data protection, and operational standards including NIST, and local port authority requirements.

* Lead business continuity and disaster recovery planning with specific emphasis on safeguarding terminal and cargo operations.

Budgeting & Resource Management

* Manage operational and capital budgets for IT infrastructure and cloud services, ensuring efficient use of resources in a cost-sensitive, performance-driven environment.

* Lead and mentor an infrastructure operations team, promoting accountability, innovation, and operational agility across business units.

* Oversee vendor relationships across IT services, telecoms, and maritime technology providers.

Profile

A successful Head of IT Operations should have:

Minimum Experience Required:

* 8+ years of experience in IT operations and infrastructure management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.

* Experience in port operations, maritime logistics, or large-scale industrial environments is highly desirable.

* Proven experience leading cloud and infrastructure transformation in hybrid environments (Azure).

* Expertise in enterprise networks, telephony, and industrial connectivity in multi-site or operationally intensive settings.

Key Skills:

* Deep understanding of maritime and port operations

* Network and cloud infrastructure architecture

* Strong vendor and stakeholder management

* Familiarity with OT/IT convergence and control systems

* Operational and project leadership in high-availability environments

* Regulatory and cyber risk awareness in critical infrastructure

Minimum Education Requirements:

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Engineering.

Desirable Certifications:

* ITIL v4 Foundation or Practitioner

* AWS Certified Solutions Architect / Microsoft Azure Architect Expert

* Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

* PMP or equivalent project management certification

* Maritime-specific standards (e.g., ISPS Code awareness, IMO cybersecurity guidelines)

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £85,000 to £100,000 per annum Plus Benefits.
• Hybrid working arrangements for enhanced work-life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package tailored to employee needs.
• Opportunity to contribute to a key role within a reputable company.
• Engaging and collaborative company culture.