Technology Operations Director (2 Year FTC)
Salary: £ 100,000 - £ 110,000 per annum
Department: Technology, Chief Operating Office
Contract: Fixed Term for 2 years
Hours: Full-time (we’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements)
Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (typically 1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 2nd December
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, determined, and dedicated.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technology Operations Director to join us. In this position, you’ll be a transformative leader responsible for driving operational excellence and enterprise capabilities that support back-office functions such as Digital Workplace, Finance, and HR. This role combines strategic leadership in IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity with a commitment to enhancing service quality, supporting business-critical functions, and empowering teams through change. This role will also ensure operational resilience while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and prioritizing end-user satisfaction and engagement.
What will be some of the main responsibilities?
* Ensure IT infrastructure and services are resilient, secure, and capable of supporting critical business operations without interruption.
* Enhance IT service quality, responsiveness, and reliability to meet internal customer needs and elevate the user experience.
* Develop and implement strong incident management and escalation processes to ensure rapid and efficient response to issues.
* Ensure end-to-end continuity and availability of critical externally-facing digital services including dependent services.
* Lead and implement cybersecurity strategies to protect the organization from threats, safeguard data, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
* Act as a trusted partner to business units, particularly in back-office functions (e.g., Digital Workplace, Finance, HR), understanding their needs and delivering solutions that drive efficiency and satisfaction.
* Develop and support scalable enterprise capabilities, including systems for Finance, HR, and other corporate functions, to drive operational efficiency and digital transformation.
* Implement and maintain modern digital workplace tools, such as collaboration platforms, remote work solutions, and employee self-service portals, to enhance colleague productivity and engagement.
* Facilitate close collaboration between development and operations teams, ensuring that applications are built and deployed for maximum reliability and scalability.
* Develop, inspire, and empower the Technology Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, customer-centricity, and innovation.
* Manage vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring delivery of high-quality services and value-for-money solutions.
What skills are we looking for?
* Proven leadership in Technology operations, particularly during times of transformation and strategic change.
* Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud management, and digital workplace solutions, especially for back-office functions.
* Expertise in ITIL, service management, and change management, with a focus on customer and end-user experience.
* Extensive experience in cybersecurity principles, incident management, and regulatory compliance.
* Significant experience of collaborating effectively with business units and tailoring IT services to meet their unique requirements.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of motivating and leading teams.
* Significant experience of leading and developing high-performing teams of specialists across a broad range of potential disciplines, and proven track record in managing, recruiting, and developing talent.
What will I gain?
Each and every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, and high-quality tools, policies, and processes to enable you to do your job well.
Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more. We don’t forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.
Our work – from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy – will change the world. It’s exciting to be part of our team.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from, and participates in the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process, and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
About Us
As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity, we conduct research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. Our aim is to see 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034 and our staff are integral to achieving that ambition. Cancer Research UK offers you excellent prospects to expand your career as well as the ability to make a real difference to the lives of others. We're always looking for sharp, brave, and collaborative people to join Cancer Research UK and continue to make it a great place to work. Find the career you're looking for and let’s change lives together.
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