IT Operations Manager

LJ Recruitment; Northampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm in Northampton is searching for an IT Operations Manager to oversee their tech operations. The role is permanent and full-time, focusing on both on-prem and cloud environments. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing IT operations, strong technical knowledge in Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms, alongside leadership and project management skills. The firm values its employees, offering excellent benefits and a supportive environment for growth.

Benefits

Private medical cover

Profit share

Paid charity day

Wellness events

Recognition for hard work

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing IT operations or infrastructure teams.
• Deep technical knowledge across Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and cloud platforms.
• Strong understanding of service delivery and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT Operations team to deliver top-notch service.
• Manage on-prem and cloud environments.
• Oversee backups, business continuity, and cyber security.
• Work with IT Director on AI and automation.
• Own internal and external audits like ISO27001.
• Manage vendors, software licenses, and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

Microsoft 365

Windows Server

Active Directory

PowerShell

Azure

Job description

☕ IT Operations Manager - Northampton - £50k to £60k + Benefits - On-site Only ☕

If your happy place is a humming server room, a well-tuned network, and a team that runs smoother than your morning brew, this one's for you.

I'm working with a long-established (200-years-and-counting) UK law firm that's still got that fresh, forward-thinking spark. They're looking for an IT Operations Manager to lead their tech operations from the front. This is a permanent, full-time, on-site role in Northampton, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

You'll be managing a team of around seven brilliant IT professionals, keeping systems secure, reliable, and ready for anything. If you're someone who can balance hands-on technical expertise with leadership, planning, and a knack for problem-solving, you'll fit right in.

What you'll be doing (with a strong cuppa nearby):

• Leading the IT Operations team to deliver top-notch service across systems, networks, and infrastructure.
• Managing both on-prem and cloud environments, including Microsoft 365, Exchange, SharePoint, and Azure.
• Overseeing backups, business continuity, and cyber security (including Cyber Essentials Plus renewal).
• Working closely with the IT Director, Innovation, and Digital Adoption teams to bring AI and automation into the mix.
• Owning internal and external audits like ISO27001 and ISO22301.
• Managing vendors, software licenses, budgets, and the occasional curveball with calm and clarity.
• Getting hands-on when needed and making sure your team stays skilled, supported, and ahead of the tech curve.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience managing IT operations or infrastructure teams, ideally in a professional services setting.
• Deep technical knowledge across Microsoft 365, Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell, and cloud platforms.
• Strong understanding of project management, service delivery, and what "great IT" really looks like.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring skills with a cool, methodical approach under pressure.

Why you'll love it:

This firm genuinely invests in its people. They’ve been Investors in People accredited since 1996, ranked as one of the Best Large Law Firms to Work For, and foster a culture of trust, growth, and teamwork. Benefits include private medical cover, profit share, a paid charity day each year, wellness events, and proper recognition for your hard work.

☕ Ready to take the reins?

If your idea of a good day includes strong systems, strong leadership, and maybe a strong Yorkshire Tea while you plan the next upgrade, let’s chat. Drop me a message or CV and let's get you in front of a firm that actually values what you do.

Because keeping the lights on is one thing. Leading the charge to make them shine? That's where you come in.