Korn Ferry is seeking an experienced TechOps Lead for our Life Sciences client. This is a 12-month contract initially, with a clear view to moving into a permanent position for the right person (subject to mutual fit and business need).
This role suits a senior, commercially minded TechOps / Service Delivery leader who can operate as the bridge between IT and the business, owning vendor-led service delivery, stakeholder alignment, operational KPIs, and continuous improvement across a fast-paced environment.
You will act as the key liaison between TechOps and senior business stakeholders, ensuring technology services and initiatives are aligned to business priorities and delivered with pace, clarity, and accountability. While a solid technical foundation is important, this is not a hands-on "fixer" role, it's a leadership position focused on service delivery excellence, vendor management, governance, and translating technical topics into business outcomes.
Partner with senior business stakeholders to align TechOps priorities to business plans and operational needs.
Translate technical concepts into clear business language to support effective decision-making.
Drive clarity on priorities, dependencies, risks, and delivery timelines across initiatives.
Identify and shape technology initiatives that improve operational efficiency, service quality, and business performance.
Stay informed on emerging technologies and trends to support practical, value-led decision-making.
Own end-user support and operational service delivery to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Define, track, and report operational KPIs, highlighting achievements, risks, and dependencies.
Drive continuous improvement across processes, service quality, and operational performance.
Ensure adherence to SLAs and proactively address service gaps and root causes.
Lead incident management practices, post-incident reviews, and trend analysis to reduce repeat issues and improve resilience.
Balance reactive and proactive work through effective planning and prioritisation.
Oversee delivery of IT projects and operational initiatives, ensuring alignment to scope, budget, and timelines.
Manage relationships with vendors and outsourced partners, ensuring accountability for service performance and standards.
Conduct regular service and systems reviews to identify opportunities for optimisation, scalability, and cost efficiency.
Support infrastructure and systems implementations required to meet evolving business needs.
Maintain robust IT security controls aligned to governance policies and best practice.
Support compliance with relevant data protection and security obligations (including GDPR principles).
Contribute to budget management and cost optimisation through vendor governance and service efficiency.
As the team structure develops, support coaching/mentoring and help build a high-performance, accountable TechOps culture.
Minimum 5+ years' experience in a comparable TechOps / IT Operations / Service Delivery leadership role.
Proven track record delivering complex IT initiatives on time and within budget.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and across functions.
Demonstrated experience managing vendors/outsourced partners and driving measurable service improvements.
Strong understanding of how technology supports business processes and operational outcomes.
Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Experience in regulated or operationally complex environments (e.g., Life Sciences, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing) is highly desirable.
Strong working knowledge of modern Microsoft environments
(e.g., O365, collaboration toolsets; exposure to Dynamics and Power BI advantageous).
Solid understanding of IT infrastructure, networks, and cybersecurity principles (oversight/governance level).
Familiarity with data protection and GDPR-aligned working practices.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment with varied priorities.
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
