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.