Head of IT Operations

Head of IT Operations – NHS | £88,250–£100,355 a Year

Head of IT Operations – London Ambulance Service NHS Trust

A senior NHS technology leadership opportunity is available with London Ambulance Service NHS Trust for a Head of IT Operations in London.

This is a permanent, full-time Band 8c position with a salary of £88,250 to £100,355 per year including HCAS.

The role is responsible for leading the Trust’s IT Operations Centre and ensuring critical digital services remain available, reliable, secure and resilient 24/7.

Job Overview

About the Head of IT Operations Role

The London Ambulance Service relies on highly available digital services to support urgent and emergency care.

The IT Operations Centre (ITOC) provides critical technology support, including:

• 24/7 monitoring and alerting
• Incident management
• Detection, response and resolution
• Digital infrastructure monitoring
• Routine service maintenance
• Technical change implementation
• Security incident investigation
• Disaster recovery and operational resilience

The successful candidate will oversee and optimise the Trust’s IT Operations Centre, ensuring digital systems and infrastructure maintain high levels of availability, stability, performance and security.

Main Responsibilities

The Head of IT Operations will be responsible for:

• Leading and managing IT Operations teams.
• Ensuring effective monitoring systems are in place for early detection of technical issues.
• Providing leadership and governance across IT Operations.
• Developing and maintaining policies, processes, procedures and operational reports.
• Supporting the operation of the IT Services Review Board.
• Responding effectively to unplanned outages.
• Managing the 24/7 IT Operations function.
• Ensuring teams have the appropriate skills and resources to provide responsive IT services.
• Managing operational risks and ensuring suitable mitigation measures are implemented.
• Supporting managers and operational staff during major incidents.
• Managing situations involving Trust-wide business impact to digital services.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in an IT-related subject or equivalent extensive senior management experience.
• ITIL Foundation-level qualification.

Essential Experience

The successful applicant should demonstrate experience in:

• Managing staff, finances and delivery performance.
• Implementing improvement plans.
• Handling complex, contentious and highly sensitive information.
• Presenting complex technical issues to large groups.
• Applying monitoring and alert systems to improve efficiency.
• Managing mission-critical technology environments.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should have:

• Extensive knowledge of mission-critical computer systems.
• Strong understanding of high-availability digital services.
• Knowledge of Information Security.
• Understanding of Governance, Risk and Compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to make informed recommendations using detailed data analysis.
• The ability to develop new approaches to complex technical problems.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy information and current UK immigration requirements before applying.

DBS Check

This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Important Application Information

The closing date is 13 September 2026.

However, the employer states that the vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received.

Applicants are advised to read the full job description and person specification before submitting an application.

How to Apply

Apply through the official NHS Jobs vacancy:

Official vacancy: NHS Jobs – Head of IT Operations

Employer

London Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Trust HQ
Waterloo Road
London
SE1 8SD
United Kingdom

London Ambulance Service NHS Trust website

Job Alert Summary

Role: Head of IT Operations
Salary: £88,250–£100,355 per year
Location: London
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Band: 8c
Sponsorship: Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants welcome and considered
Closing date: 13 September 2026
Reference: 308-CORP-3310

Tip: Apply early because the advert may close before the stated closing date if the employer receives a high volume of applications.