IT Operations Lead

Frive; Rainham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

25 days holiday + public holidays

Bonus scheme

Discount on our amazing food

Cycle to Work scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

A leading meal prep brand in Rainham is seeking an IT Operations Lead to ensure smooth IT operations and system uptime. The ideal candidate will manage hardware, software, and security measures while leading a small team of IT staff. This full-time, on-site position offers room for growth in IT management within a dynamic environment. With a focus on communication and task prioritization, this role is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency across the business.

Qualifications

• Experience with IT systems, networks, and operational technology.
• Proficient in cybersecurity measures and data protection.
• Experience managing IT teams and providing support during operations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain uptime of IT systems and support operational teams.
• Manage user access and ensure cybersecurity compliance.
• Lead and support a team of junior IT staff.
• Manage user access, permissions, and adherence to security best practices across the business.
• Manage on-site devices (printers, scanners, production-floor technology, laptops, WiFi infrastructure, and other operational equipment).
• Ensure rapid response and resolution to hardware failures and system downtime.
• Provide fast, effective IT support to fulfilment teams, warehouse staff, production operators, and office employees.
• Resolve issues that impact operational efficiency or customer delivery.
• Maintain relationships with IT service providers, hosting partners, security vendors, and hardware suppliers.
• Coordinate escalations and ensure service levels are met.
• Lead and support a small team of 2–3 junior IT staff.
• Set clear priorities, balance workloads, and ensure coverage during crucial operational periods.
• Identify inefficiencies in systems and workflows.
• Implement scalable IT processes, documentation, and policies to support business growth.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Calm under pressure

Ability to prioritize tasks

Job description

Join to apply for the IT Operations Lead role at Frive.

Full time onsite in Rainham Essex.

About Frive: Frive stands for Food to Thrive – we help busy people thrive by providing healthy, balanced meals made with 100% whole food ingredients, ready to heat and eat in minutes. We’re the UK's highest‑rated meal prep brand, delivering over 20 million meals and growing. Now we’re looking for an IT Operations Lead to keep everything running in our Rainham Factory.

We celebrate diversity and value inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

The IT Operations Lead ensures all technology, infrastructure, and operational systems run smoothly and securely. This role is responsible for day‑to‑day IT operations, system uptime, security, hardware and software management, and supporting the business to stay online, efficient, and productive, maintaining reliability of key operational equipment such as scanners, printers, and scales.

This on‑site position is perfect for someone looking to take the next step into IT management, with the opportunity to grow alongside the business as it continues to scale.

Stakeholders across multiple sites: Rainham – Operations and HR teams; Canary Wharf – Marketing, Product, Data, and Finance teams. In 2026, we will implement a new ERP system; you will work closely with the ERP Manager to support implementation and integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the uptime and smooth functioning of all IT systems, networks, devices, and tools.
• Ensure continuous support for production, order processing, fulfilment, and distribution systems.
• Oversee cybersecurity measures and data protection practices.
• Manage user access, permissions, and adherence to security best practices across the business.
• Manage on‑site devices (printers, scanners, production‑floor technology, laptops, WiFi infrastructure, and other operational equipment).
• Ensure rapid response and resolution to hardware failures and system downtime.
• Provide fast, effective IT support to fulfilment teams, warehouse staff, production operators, and office employees.
• Resolve issues that impact operational efficiency or customer delivery.
• Maintain relationships with IT service providers, hosting partners, security vendors, and hardware suppliers.
• Coordinate escalations and ensure service levels are met.
• Lead and support a small team of 2–3 junior IT staff.
• Set clear priorities, balance workloads, and ensure coverage during crucial operational periods.
• Identify inefficiencies in systems and workflows.
• Implement scalable IT processes, documentation, and policies to support business growth.

Success Looks Like

• Zero unplanned downtime across critical systems.
• Secure, compliant, and well‑maintained tech infrastructure.
• Fast, effective internal support keeping fulfilment, production, and customer operations running seamlessly.
• A proactive IT environment that supports reliability and efficiency every day.

About You

• Excellent communication skills – interacting with stakeholders of varying technical skill.
• Calm under pressure – maintaining composure during 24/7 operations and troubleshooting downtimes.
• Ability to prioritise tasks – managing numerous tasks, documenting changes, and building a roadmap for the department.

Mission

We help busy people enjoy natural, healthy eating with ready‑to‑eat meals delivered to their door, proven to support their health goals.

Vision

To transform health by revolutionising eating habits and restoring food to its natural form.

Values

• Empowerment – empowering our people to make strong, independent decisions with confidence.
• Transparency – sharing information openly and with intention.
• Open Communication – communicating directly and honestly.
• High Performance – fostering an environment that attracts, retains, and rewards high performance.
• Agility – encouraging flexibility by reducing blockers and prioritising creativity and productivity.

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance
• 25 days holiday + public holidays
• Bonus scheme
• Discount on our amazing food
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Enhanced parental leave

What's next?

If you are interested in learning more about the role and think this could be for you, then don't hesitate and apply now. We look forward to hearing from you and love hearing from people who are passionate about our purpose and vision.