IT Business Operations Lead
Full time (37 hours each week, all year round). Permanent. Salary £32,515 per year plus benefits. Location: Rotherham College, Rotherham (with occasional travel to other campuses within RNN Group).
About the Role
Are you a technical leader who can balance high-level strategy with hands‑on service delivery? At RNN Group, we are looking for an IT Business Operations Lead to act as the engine room of our IT function. This isn\'t just a support role; it\'s a vital partnership. You will serve as a key deputy to the Director of IT & Digital, bridging the gap between daily frontline workflows and the high‑impact projects that drive our strategic roadmap. From managing complex vendor contracts to mentoring our 1st‑line support team, you will be the glue that ensures our digital infrastructure is resilient, user‑focused, and future‑ready.
Why This Role?
* Operational Influence – take the lead on the Group’s service delivery, ensuring we don\'t just meet SLAs—we exceed them.
* Strategic Impact – play a pivotal role in the execution of key IT projects, ensuring new technologies are tested and transitioned seamlessly into the business.
* Commercial Leadership – own the IT contract portfolio, using your commercial acumen to manage vendor relationships and ensure maximum value for the Group.
In this role, you will:
* Lead with Excellence – oversee the day‑to‑day IT Support function, driving a culture where every service request is handled with professionalism and speed.
* Empower Users – move beyond "quick fixes" by promoting self‑help guidance and using data analysis to resolve underlying IT trends before they become problems.
* Manage Major Incidents – act as the calm voice in a crisis, managing real‑time communications across the Group Staff Portal during service outages.
* Partner and Deputy – support the Director in departmental oversight, translating high‑level goals into actionable plans for your team.
* Build Relationships – act as a credible ambassador for IT, building strong links with students, staff, and external partners across all Group sites.
Is This You?
* Manage Conflicting Demands – juggle the high‑frequency pressure of a busy helpdesk with the focused, long‑term discipline required for contract management.
* Lead Under Pressure – remain professional and positive when things go wrong, ensuring tasks are prioritised and escalated correctly.
* Pivot Seamlessly – possess the operational versatility to move from hands‑on technical support to the administrative rigor needed for procurement and renewals.
* Communicate with Clarity – deliver high‑quality service reports or crisis updates during a system impact; communication is always professional and timely.
Your Experience & Skills
* Technical Leadership – extensive experience in IT helpdesk environments, offering expert guidance on first‑line queries and complex technical issues.
* Project & Vendor Management – strong background in supporting IT infrastructure or software projects, alongside the commercial ability to manage vendor relationships and contracts.
* Effective Communication – the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable advice for a diverse range of stakeholders.
Qualifications
* A Level 3 qualification in Business Administration, Customer Service, or an equivalent field.
* Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths (or willingness to achieve these).
* Professional certifications in IT (e.g. ITIL) or Management/Leadership are highly desirable and will be supported as part of professional development.
We understand that no candidate will perfectly match every qualification or criterion listed. If your experience differs from what we have outlined but you believe you can contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply!
Department Info
You will be primarily based at our Rotherham Campus, but as a leader within the Group, you\'ll be mobile – visiting our sites at Worksop, Dearne Valley, and other subsidiaries to stay connected with our users. You will report directly to the Director of IT & Digital, who will provide the overarching vision while giving you the autonomy to make decisions and lead your team. You will have direct supervisory responsibility for our 1st‑line support personnel, serving as their mentor and technical lead.
Benefits
* Access to local government pensions scheme (employer contributions from 15.6% to 23.68%).
* Up to 44 days annual leave per year, including closures during the Christmas period.
* Access to our gyms, restaurants and salons.
* Staff health & well‑being and benefits schemes including in‑house Occupational Health service.
* Extensive well‑being support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental and financial well‑being.
* Full, part‑time and flexible working hours available in many roles.
* Free parking available at all of our sites.
* Fantastic career development opportunities including funding for teacher training, apprenticeships and various other industry‑recognised qualifications.
* New FE teachers can also apply for grants of up to £6,000 in STEM subjects (conditions apply) through the teacher retention initiative.
We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, faith or disability. We are proud to be part of the Disability Confidence Scheme and offer reasonable adjustments to all applicants throughout the recruitment process.
All new employees will be required to undertake a DBS check and other associated checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance. All candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The Group’s core operating hours are 8:30 am–5:00 pm (9 pm on a Tuesday and Thursday during term time). You may be expected to work at any time during these hours to ensure business needs are met.
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