Head of IT Services and Operations

Salary: Excellent Salary, benfits package + Kiwisaver

This is an opportunity to take ownership of IT services and operations within a progressive, purpose-led organisation that is investing in its people, technology and future.

We’re looking for an experienced Head of IT Services & Operations to lead a broad technology environment spanning IT service delivery, infrastructure, cloud, Microsoft 365, security operations, enterprise applications and vendor management.

It’s a highly visible leadership position with genuine scope to influence how technology services are delivered across the organisation.

Just as importantly, you’ll be joining a supportive and aspirational environment where people are encouraged to challenge, improve, learn and grow.

The opportunity

Reporting into the executive leadership team, you’ll lead multidisciplinary IT services, operations and application support teams and take accountability for three critical outcomes:

Keep the organisation safe and secure

Lead operational security, resilience, identity, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, backup and disaster recovery, ensuring controls are effective, current and tested.

Deliver an outstanding technology service

Create an IT service experience that people trust. Improve responsiveness, communication and customer satisfaction while reducing recurring issues through better processes, automation and root-cause resolution.

Drive greater value from technology

Take ownership of technology operating expenditure and identify opportunities to simplify the technology estate, optimise cloud and Microsoft 365 consumption, rationalise licensing, consolidate vendors and reduce technical debt.

What you’ll be responsible for

You’ll have broad ownership across:

• IT Service Desk and service management
• Security operations and cyber resilience
• Disaster recovery, backup and operational risk
• Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365, identity, networks and endpoints
• Core enterprise applications including CRM, LMS, SMS and ERP platforms
• Technology vendors, managed service providers and commercial agreements
• Technology budgets, licensing and cloud cost optimisation
• Technology asset lifecycle management
• Major incident management and operational change
• AI and automation opportunities across technology operations
• Leadership, coaching and development of technical and service teams

This isn’t about simply keeping the lights on. You’ll be expected to continually improve the environment, making technology more reliable, more secure, easier to use and more cost-effective.

What we’re looking for

You’ll already have significant experience leading IT operations, service delivery, infrastructure, platforms and enterprise applications within a reasonably complex environment.

We’re particularly interested in people who can demonstrate:

• Leadership of multidisciplinary technology and service teams
• Strong IT service management and operational leadership experience
• Microsoft 365, cloud, identity, endpoint and infrastructure knowledge
• Practical cyber security operations and incident management experience
• Disaster recovery and resilience planning and testing
• Enterprise application support and operational ownership
• Technology budget ownership and strong commercial acumen
• Vendor, licensing and contract management
• Evidence of reducing technology costs while maintaining or improving service
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to communicate technology issues in business language
• Practical use of AI and automation to improve efficiency and service delivery

Experience with ITIL, Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365, FinOps or cyber security frameworks and certifications would be advantageous.

Why consider this opportunity?

The organisation has an ambitious outlook and a strong focus on developing both its people and its technology capability.

You’ll work alongside a supportive leadership team in an environment that encourages curiosity, continuous learning, innovation and professional growth.

There is genuine scope to make your mark, improving services, developing your team, strengthening security, simplifying the technology environment and influencing how technology supports the organisation into the future.

If you’re an experienced technology leader who enjoys combining people leadership, service excellence, security, commercial thinking and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you.