IT Lead

Wushu Studios is seeking an experienced and proactive Studio IT Lead to take full ownership of our IT operations. You will lead and manage our on-site IT team, own infrastructure and network operations, and ensure the smooth, secure, and efficient running of all IT systems. This is a hands-on lead role critical to the day-to-day productivity of our development teams.

You will be responsible for ensuring our IT systems support the studio's growth, collaborating with Keywords Studios on wider IT initiatives while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency to guarantee developer uptime and project delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Full ownership of Wushu's IT operations, including infrastructure, network architecture, hardware, and security.
• Line management of IT Technicians, including recruitment, training, goal setting, performance reviews, and career development.
• Develop and implement IT strategy, ensuring alignment with Wushu's business goals and Keywords' standards.
• Design and maintain asset tracking systems for hardware lifecycle management, allocation, and procurement.
• Own and enforce IT ticket triage, prioritisation, SLAs, and ensure timely resolution of support issues.
• Act as the primary escalation point for Tier 2/3 technical issues, mentoring the IT team to upskill their capabilities.
• Manage studio network infrastructure, including VLAN configurations, VPNs, site-to-site routing, and client-specific network requirements.
• Ensure robust endpoint management (Windows patching, AD/LDAP administration, automation via PowerShell or equivalent).
• Maintain high security standards, including implementing policies and processes for endpoint protection, network security, and compliance.
• Collaborate with Keywords IT on infrastructure transitions, process alignment, and ServiceNow integration.
• Manage local vendor relationships for day-to-day IT purchases, coordinating with Keywords for larger procurement as needed.
• Prepare for and support client demos and visits, ensuring critical systems and environments are fully operational.
• Support remote work infrastructure, troubleshooting remote access solutions, and optimising developer experience.

Requirements
:

• Proven experience as an IT Operations Lead, with a strong track record of managing and developing technical teams.
• Prior experience in a video games development studio or fast-paced technical environment.

Strong technical knowledge of:

Windows infrastructure, Active Directory, LDAP

PowerShell or equivalent scripting for automation

Networking concepts (VLANs, VPNs, routing, diagnostics)

Hardware lifecycle management and procurement processes

Security best practices (endpoint and network security)

• Experience with IT ticketing systems and workflow management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, capable of resolving Tier 2/3 technical issues.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing IT teams.
• Exceptional organisational and communication abilities.

Desirable
:

• Experience with ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms.
• CompTIA A+ or equivalent certification.
• Cisco CCNA or equivalent networking knowledge.
• ITIL Foundation understanding.
• Familiarity with Linux environments (beneficial but not essential).
• Experience scaling IT operations in a growing organisation.