IT Operations Manager

Animal Trust (UK); Warrington; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Trust in Warrington is seeking an experienced IT Operations Manager to lead day‑to‑day IT operations and help build a reliable, scalable in‑house IT service. You will initially lead the transition from our MSP to an in‑house model, owning IT infrastructure, service delivery, cybersecurity, and supplier relationships.

Based with our new IT team, you will recruit and develop IT support staff as the team grows, while continuing hands‑on technical support and ensuring strong governance across

Qualifications

• Experience leading IT operations and service delivery in a multi-site organisation.
• Hands-on knowledge of Microsoft 365, networks and infrastructure.
• Experience managing IT budgets, procurement and suppliers.
• Good understanding of cybersecurity, business continuity and access management.
• Strong stakeholder-management and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT operations, service delivery and escalation for complex issues across Animal Trust.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, Microsoft 365, networks, devices and cybersecurity.
• Manage IT suppliers, contracts, budgets, procurement and assets.
• Develop IT processes, documentation and service improvements.
• Recruit and develop IT support staff as the team grows.

Skills

IT operations

Service delivery

Cybersecurity

Budget management

Vendor management

Project management

Azure/M365

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or equivalent

Tools

HaloITSM

Azure/M365

Job description

We are currently recruiting for an experienced, hands‑on IT Operations Manager to lead day‑to‑day IT operations and help build a reliable, scalable in‑house IT service.

You’ll initially lead the transition from our Managed Service Provider (MSP) to an in‑house model, taking ownership of IT infrastructure, service delivery, cybersecurity and supplier relationships. As the team grows, you’ll recruit and develop IT support colleagues while continuing to provide hands‑on technical support.

Based with our new IT team in Warrington, this is an exciting opportunity to shape our IT function and support our growing, multi‑site organisation.

About animal Trust

Animal Trust stands out from other veterinary services. Firstly, we are a unique Community Interest Company, being the only veterinary CIC in the UK to date. Our primary focus isn't solely on maximising profits; instead, we are dedicated to delivering on our mission and ensuring enough profit to sustain our business in the long term.

Key responsibilities

• Lead IT operations, support and service delivery across Animal Trust.
• Manage the transition of appropriate services from our MSP to an in‑house model.
• Provide hands‑on technical support and escalation for complex issues.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, Microsoft 365, networks, devices and cybersecurity.
• Manage IT suppliers, contracts, budgets, procurement and assets.
• Develop IT processes, documentation and service improvements.
• Support site visits, infrastructure changes and new site openings.
• Recruit, manage and develop IT support colleagues as the team grows.
• Work closely with the Platform Manager, maintaining sufficient HaloITSM knowledge to provide operational cover.
• Participate in the on‑call rota for critical out‑of‑hours issues.

About you

Essential:

• Strong IT operations and service delivery experience, ideally in a multi‑site organisation.
• Hands‑on knowledge of Microsoft 365, networks, devices and infrastructure.
• Experience managing IT support, escalations, suppliers and service performance.
• Experience managing IT budgets, procurement and CAPEX/OPEX.
• Good understanding of cybersecurity, access management and business continuity.
• Strong troubleshooting, project management and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Relevant Microsoft 365/Azure experience or certification.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• Clean driving licence, access to a vehicle and ability to travel between sites.
• Located within reasonable travelling distance of Warrington.

Desirable:

• IT, ITIL, project management or security qualifications.
• Experience bringing outsourced IT services in‑house.
• Experience managing IT support teams or supporting new site openings.
• Experience with HaloITSM or similar platforms.

Job details

• Location: Warrington, with travel to other sites as required
• Contract: Full‑time - Permanent
• Hours: Monday to Friday - 40 hours per week (share of On‑Call duties required)
• Closing date: Friday 20 November 2026

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported.