Head of IT Operations
Band B 12 month fixed term contract
Manchester/Hybrid
Want to change the world? A career that makes a difference
We’re not a bank that follows the crowd. Instead, we like to stand out for all the right reasons. Our bank is built on co-operative values that stand strong today. A lot has happened in 150 years, we don’t just help people with their money, but help people fight for justice and the causes they care about. Our unique customer-led Ethical Policy, has made us a natural leader in environmental and social issues today, and we’re market leaders in ESG as rated by leading ESG ratings agency Sustainalytics*.
There has never been a more pressing time for our Bank to focus our efforts on causes that matter to our customers and colleagues. Why not see where you can make a change, and join the UK’s original ethical bank to continue our ambitions to lead the industry on environmental and social issues in 2024 and beyond.
There is an expectation to be in our Manchester office roughly once per week.
The role:
As the Head of IT Operations, you’ll lead service management for all operational services, including monitoring and reporting, capacity and performance management. You’ll also represent CIO on Major Incident response team, coordinating all required activities through to conclusion.
Key Accountabilities:
Own all “run” activities ensuring potential impact on customer outcomes is considered and mitigated*
Lead service introduction, managing the route to live, operational scheduling and management of change slots*
Oversee enterprise platform management and development – servers, storage, networks and desktop environments*
* Own Environment and configuration management, both on premise and in the cloud, including cost management (FinOps)
* Represent CIO at IMT ensuring effective incident response, reporting and post incident review
* Own implementation of post incident review recommendations across CIO function
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
* Experience and expertise of information technology and financial services operations, gained from working extensively with large, complex businesses.
* Track record in safely deploying change with minimal risk to service stability
* Experience of operating at senior management level plus a proven ability to think strategically and transform strategy into delivery.
* Ability to shape a senior management team, build capability and drive change, leveraging diversity across teams, functions and cultures
* Excellent communication, relationship building and influencing skills, able to present effectively to a variety of audiences including at senior management, Executive and Board level.
* Excellent networking skills with a proven track record and experience of building strong external networks across the industry and with professional suppliers.
* Strong focus on demonstrating and measuring return on investment and alignment with strategic business needs.
* Deep understanding of process, technology and operational needs and challenges in large scale UK financial service organisations.
* Experience of managing third parties to drive value through mutual, win-win outcomes
* Experienced at managing executive level regulatory relationships
* Track record in waterfall and agile software development methodologies/mindset.
* In depth knowledge of UK financial services industry, competitor activity, market developments and emerging market trends.
* Ability to represent the Bank with a wide variety of external parties including all relevant regulatory bodies
What You Can Expect From Us:
Car allowance (leadership roles)
Private medical (leadership roles)
Flexible and home working options
27 days holiday rising to 30 with service, plus opportunity to buy 5 extra days
Competitive pension with up to 10% employer contribution
Income protection / life assurance
* Commitment from employers on continued learning & development
* Wellbeing support ‘Help@Hand’ offers mental health support, physiotherapy, GP’s for both you and your family.
- 2 paid days for volunteering per year
- ‘MyReward’ corporate discount for over 800 retailers and Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Family friendly policies and supportive working environment
- Colleague network groups committed to inclusion and diversity within our Bank.
We can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK at this time.
Our Bank is committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and lifestyles who can work with us in maintaining a culture of belonging, where people are valued and respected.
If your application is selected for recruitment, we will ask if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to proceed to an interview with us. If you require more information or this document in a different format, please contact careers@co-operativebank.co.uk
As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks.
*Rated by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Regional Banks sub-industry with a score of 8.5 as of 9 October 2023.