IT Operations Manager

James Cropper plc.; Kendal; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an IT Operations Manager to oversee infrastructure and cybersecurity operations. The ideal candidate has proven leadership experience in IT, strong knowledge of cybersecurity, and excellent communication skills. You will build a collaborative team, enhance IT services, and drive compliance with security best practices while managing vendors and budgets. If you're ready to make a significant impact, apply now for this pivotal role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an IT leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity and IT infrastructure best practice.
• Experience managing complex, multi-site technical environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and management of IT services.
• Build and develop an engaged, collaborative IT operations team.
• Monitor emerging cybersecurity threats and enhance organizational defenses.

Skills

Leadership in IT

Cybersecurity knowledge

Communication skills

Budget management

Project management

Education

CISSP/CISM/CompTIA/CCNA, ITIL or degree-level study

Job description

Are you aforward-thinkingIT leader ready to shape the future of digital operations in one of the UK’s most innovative and sustainably driven manufacturing groups?

At James Cropper, based in the beautiful Lake District, we are looking for an IT Operations Manager to lead our infrastructure, cybersecurity and operational IT services — ensuring our business remains secure, resilient, and ready for the future.

The Opportunity

As our IT Operations Manager, you’ll take ownership of the strategic direction and day-to-day management of our IT services, including infrastructure, helpdesk, cybersecurity and compliance. You’ll lead, coach, and develop a high performing team, while driving change programmes that enable our business to operate securely, efficiently and with resilience.

This is a hands-on leadership role where your expertise will shape our digital future — from cloud and networking to security posture, disaster recovery, and enterprise risk management.

What You’ll Lead & Deliver

• Building and developing an engaged, collaborative IT operations team
• Leading the design, delivery and continuous improvement of all infrastructure and cybersecurity services
• Managing key technologies including networking, servers, storage, firewalls, telephony, DR, and security operations
• Monitoring emerging cybersecurity threats and proactively strengthening organisational defence with our internal team and external partners
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and security best practice
• Driving IT change projects that enhance capability and support business growth
• Enhancing adoption of developing services and toolsets (e.g. AI)
• Technical integration of IT and Operational Technology (industrial systems and networking e.g. PLCs/SCADA) considering risk, cybersecurity and other controls
• Managing vendors, budgets, and investments in line with strategic priorities

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines technical depth with strong people leadership. Ideally, you will bring:

• Proven experience in an IT leadership role
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity and IT infrastructure best practice
• Experience managing complex, multi-site technical environments
• Strong communication, influencing and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage concurrent priorities in a fast-moving environment
• Experience of service reporting & managing customer expectations
• Experience scoping and delivering improvement projects and automation
• A proactive, collaborative approach aligned with our values: Forward Thinking, Responsible and Caring
• Qualifications such as CISSP/CISM/CompTIA/CCNA, ITIL or degree-level study are desirable, as is experience in a manufacturing environment — but above all, we’re looking for a leader who wants to make a real impact.

Why Join Us?

At James Cropper, innovation is woven into everything we do. From cutting-edge materials to world-leading sustainability initiatives, our teams thrive on curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Set in the heart of the Lakes, our site offers a unique blend of world-class engineering and natural beauty — the ideal environment for a leader who wants the space to think, grow and make a genuine impact.

If this sounds like you and you have an interest in working for James Cropper please apply today!

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.

Our job applicant privacy policy is available to view here.

The Company

James Cropper are global market leaders in advanced materials and paper products. Led by the Cropper family for six generations, we have an international workforce and an operational reach in over 50 countries. Established in 1845, we manufacture paper, packaging and advanced materials incorporating pioneering non-wovens and electrochemical coatings. We operate across multiple markets from luxury retail to renewable energy. Renowned globally for service, capability, pioneering and multi award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.