IT Operations Manager

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

JOB TITLE: IT Operations Manager

LOCATION: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire

SALARY: £33,000 - £36,000 p/a

JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week (Part-time applications considered)

REPORTS TO: Head of Finance and Resources

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The IT Operations Manager will ensure the smooth and secure running of all technology systems across the charity. This role provides operational oversight of IT services, suppliers and infrastructure, enabling staff to work effectively while maintaining compliance, security and resilience. The postholder will play a key role in supporting organisational growth through effective systems management, project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

WHAT YOU LL DO:

Oversee and coordinate the charity s technology function, ensuring outsourced services are managed effectively, systems are secure and well-maintained, and projects are delivered on time. The postholder will act as the operational lead for technology, supporting staff and stakeholders and contributing to the ongoing development of the charity s digital capabilities under the Head of Departments guidance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee and coordinate the charity s technology function, ensuring outsourced IT services are managed effectively and systems remain secure, reliable, and fit for purpose.

You will act as the operational lead for technology, supporting staff and stakeholders while driving the delivery of small-to-medium projects such as system upgrades, CRM enhancements, and security improvements.

You will maintain oversight of all systems, integrations and licences, ensuring accurate documentation and identifying opportunities for improvement.

You will also play a key role in governance and compliance, promoting cyber security best practice, supporting data protection measures and maintaining the technology risk register.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen the charity s digital capabilities, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure technology enables our mission.

Responsibilities of the Role

Supplier & service management

• Act as the main operational contact for outsourced IT support and helpdesk, charity database, and website providers, ensuring effective communication and service delivery.
• Monitor supplier performance, service level agreements (SLAs), and ticketing systems. Escalate issues and follow up to resolution as needed.
• Maintain the contract register, arrange renewals, and support procurement activities related to technology services and systems.

Systems oversight and documentation

• Maintain an up-to-date map of organisational systems, integrations, licences, and the asset register.
• Manage hardware and software requirements across the organisation, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and aligned with operational needs.
• Identify operational risks, technical issues or gaps in provision and implement quick-win improvements where possible.
• Ensure process documentation and user guides are accurate, accessible, and regularly updated.

Project coordination and delivery

• Lead or coordinate small-to-medium technology projects (e.g. multi-factor authentication rollout, system upgrades, CRM module implementation, data migrations).
• Manage project timelines, stakeholder communications, and supplier delivery to ensure successful outcomes.

Governance, security & compliance

• Support the implementation of IT policies (e.g. acceptable use, backup, remote access) and data protection controls.
• Maintain the technology risk register and report to the Head of Finance and Resources to support compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including GDPR.
• Promote cyber security best practices across the organisation, including coordinating periodic phishing tests and reporting outcomes via outsourced suppliers.
• Track departmental spend, support budget monitoring, and prepare cost forecasts for future technology needs.
• Contribute to business cases for new systems or technology investments, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Stakeholder liaison & internal enablement

• Act as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical staff, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Communicate outages, system changes and project plans clearly to internal stakeholders. Provide guidance and support to users as needed.
• Deliver occasional training or guidance to staff on systems and processes (not first-line helpdesk).
• Develop and report on departmental key performance indicators (KPIs), including but not limited to

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Reliable with a proactive can do attitude and flexibility to adapt the role as the organisation s needs evolve
• Experience coordinating IT services, suppliers or technology projects within a small to medium-sized organisation
• Strong organisational skills and stakeholder management experience
• Clear and confident communicator, able to translate technical issues for non-technical staff
• Working knowledge of common business IT systems including Microsoft 365, cloud services, CRMs, and basic networking concepts
• Good understanding of information security and data protection principles (e.g. multi-factor authentication, backups, GDPR)
• Comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities effectively
• Comfortable working in the presence of dogs

Desirable

• Experience working within the charity or third sector
• Experience of working with Managed Service Providers or outsourced IT support models
• Familiarity with website content management systems and CRM/database suppliers
• Basic experience in budgeting or procurement processes
• IT project management experience

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in a fast-paced and evolving environment
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
• Good influencing and negotiation skills
• Ability to support and guide colleagues in IT-related matters, fostering a collaborative and solution-focused approach

Other Requirements

• A full current driving license
• Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful.
• We stay positive.
• We strive for excellence.
• We communicate and listen.
• We are ambassadors.
• We are one team.

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.