Job title: Retail Digital Applications/IT Operations Lead Location: Fareham (on site 1 day per week) Contract length: Up to 4 months (cover for long term sick leave) Pay rate: £350 - £380 per day (inside IR35) Job Overview The Retail Digital Applications Lead plays a pivotal role in managing the end-to-end delivery, support, and ongoing optimization of digital and mobile technology solutions across Freestanding and Department Stores. This position is responsible for implementing and maintaining retail-focused technologies—including mobile device management (MDM), in-store digital signage, audio systems, workforce management tools, digital receipts, appointment booking platforms, and more. Acting as a technical lead, the specialist ensures system changes and innovations are aligned with business needs while maintaining a secure, reliable, and scalable infrastructure. This role also provides third-level technical support and collaborates closely with both internal teams and external partners to deliver high-impact digital retail solutions. Key Responsibilities Mobile Device & Application Management Manage a fleet of 2,500 mobile devices across UK and EMEA using MDM platforms, ensuring adherence to security and configuration standards. Sign and manage iOS applications and certificates for internal deployment, maintaining compliance with best practices. Define, implement, and enforce configuration policies for mobile devices to maintain consistency and control across the estate. Infrastructure & Network Support Collaborate with Global Infrastructure and Tech Operations teams to manage retail network components (e.g., Meraki), including IP configuration, Wi-Fi policies, and telecom services. Provide foundational network support to ensure stable and secure connectivity across retail locations. Support integration and operation of in-store technologies including audio systems and digital signage. Business Engagement & Technical Collaboration Serve as the escalation point for complex mobile and retail technology incidents, beyond Tier 1 and 2 service desk capabilities. Manage collaboration platforms such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams to improve communication across retail teams. Partner with Business Analysts to translate operational needs into robust technical solutions and present findings in a clear, business-friendly format. Engage with brand stakeholders to ensure retail technology solutions align with business objectives. Compliance, Documentation & Reporting Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation to support operations, compliance, and onboarding. Monitor and report on compliance metrics, device performance, and configuration standards. Coordinate and implement software updates and change management procedures to ensure minimal business disruption. Project Delivery & Innovation Contribute to the successful delivery of cross-functional retail IT projects from conception through execution. Lead proof-of-concept initiatives, identifying and testing emerging technologies for retail environments. Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations to continuously improve digital retail operations. Qualifications & Experience Essential In-depth experience with Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms (e.g., Intune, JAMF, AirWatch). Hands-on experience with iOS device management and app signing/certificate processes. Working knowledge of both Mac OS X and Windows 10/11 environments. Familiarity with basic networking concepts and Wi-Fi security best practices. Understanding of ITSM frameworks including Incident, Problem, and Change Management. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical stakeholders. Preferred Experience managing digital signage systems and content platforms. Awareness of enterprise security standards and regulations (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR, SOX, PII). ITIL V3/V4 certification or equivalent service management qualifications. Background in retail IT operations and in-store technology support. Confident in presenting technical information at various organizational levels. Success Metrics Seamless management of the mobile device estate with high compliance and uptime. Enhanced operational efficiency through reliable digital tools and infrastructure. High user satisfaction through timely support, clear communication, and proactive service. Successful rollout of innovative technologies and pilot programs. Strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, driving business-focused digital transformation.