IT Services & Operations Lead - Trafford Park - £40K

We are seeking an experienced IT Service & Operations Lead to oversee the delivery of the IT services across the business. Based in Trafford Park, this role offers a hybrid working arrangement and will be pivotal in ensuring reliable day-to-day IT support while driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will lead the service desk function, mentor junior team members, manage third-party IT service providers, and act as the escalation point

IT Service & Operations Lead Location: Manchester, Trafford Park (Hybrid Working)Salary: £40,000 Job Type: Permanent

About the Company Our client is a well-established organisation operating across multiple sites within the manufacturing sector. Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, they have built a strong reputation in their industry and employ a large team across various locations. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that values collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

About the Role We are seeking an experienced IT Service & Operations Lead to oversee the delivery of high-quality IT services across the business. Based at the company's head office in Trafford Park, this role offers a hybrid working arrangement and will be pivotal in ensuring reliable day-to-day IT support while driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will lead the service desk function, mentor junior team members, manage third-party IT service providers, and act as the escalation point for operational incidents.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how IT services are delivered and experienced across a dynamic, multi-site manufacturing organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily IT operations, including infrastructure, networks, end-user devices, manufacturing systems, and business applications.
• Act as the senior escalation point for incidents and ensure timely resolution within agreed SLAs.
• Define and implement service desk processes, knowledge bases, and standards to enhance efficiency.
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure effective resolution of escalated issues.
• Support compliance and security activities in line with industry standards.
• Lead incident management activities, including root cause analysis and post-incident reviews.
• Mentor and develop junior team members to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to align IT services with business priorities.

Essential Requirements To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Proven experience working in an IT service desk or similar function within a multi-site environment.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills across user computing, M365, basic networking, infrastructure, telephony/VoIP systems, and ERP/CRM/HR applications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage third-party IT service providers effectively.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into business language.
• A customer-centric mindset with a focus on delivering exceptional service.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment or hybrid project/BAU settings.
• Knowledge of ITIL principles or relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMI, Prince2).
• Prior experience shaping or improving a service desk function.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates