About the job

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Kew IT Directorate as IT Operations Manager.

This role is pivotal in maintaining and advancing a suite of critical cloud services and diverse IT systems that serve as the backbone for both internal operations and external services. The primary focus will be broad, covering system installation and construction, thus ensuring the IT infrastructure aligns with the organisation's strategic needs and industry best practices. You will provide essential support to the IT team in effectively managing, monitoring, and maintaining our daily operational environments. This entails not only overseeing the day-to-day activities but also anticipating future needs and planning for scalable, efficient growth.

Job description

The role is instrumental in enhancing system security and configurations, requiring a proactive approach to threat detection and mitigation strategies. You will be responsible for ensuring that all systems operate at optimal levels, with regular updates and maintenance schedules rigorously followed. Your commitment to keeping documentation and diagrams current is crucial, providing a reliable reference for system architecture and facilitating smoother transitions for upgrades and troubleshooting.

This role will also champion best practices in IT governance, ensuring that all operations adhere to industry standards and regulations. This includes conducting regular reviews and audits, providing training and guidance to the IT team and other employees, and continuously seeking opportunities for improvement.

Person specification

Key Accountabilities:

System Stability and Security: Ensure the continuous operation and security of all IT systems and infrastructure. This involves proactive monitoring, timely maintenance, and the implementation of robust security measures to protect against threats and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Incident and Crisis Management: Oversee and respond to IT incidents and emergencies. Develop and maintain an effective incident response plan, ensuring that the team can quickly address and resolve issues to minimise downtime and maintain business continuity.

Strategic Planning and Innovation: Contribute to the overall IT strategy and lead initiatives that drive technological innovation and operational improvements. Stay informed about technological trends and advancements to recommend solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency.

Team Leadership and Development: Manage and develop a high-performing IT Operations team. Provide leadership, set clear objectives, offer training and development opportunities, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external vendors and internal stakeholders. Manage service agreements, ensure that service levels meet organisational needs, and communicate effectively with stakeholders to align IT services with business objectives.

Benefits

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.