Location: London, Bristol or Manchester – hybrid Contract: 12 months Rate: £775–£800 per day IR35: Inside IR35 Clearance: BPSS eligible minimum; current SC clearance is a distinct advantage We are looking for a senior Principal Technologist – IT Operations to help shape a strategic IT Operations capability across a large UK public sector environment. This is not a traditional BAU operations role. You will assess current capability, define future-state operating models and help create a long-term IT Operations strategy and transformation roadmap. Key Responsibilities * Shape the future IT Operations strategy and operating model * Assess current-state maturity and define future-state roadmaps * Lead major IT Operations and service transformation * Improve service management across incident, problem, change, release and service desk * Support self-service, automation and emerging AI-enabled operations * Work across ServiceNow, Microsoft 365, cloud, SaaS and enterprise platforms * Influence senior stakeholders across complex organisational boundaries * Manage and work with technology suppliers and service partners About You You will have: * 6+ years’ relevant IT Operations experience * Senior IT Operations / Technology Operations leadership experience * Large-scale transformation and change experience * Strong ITSM / service management knowledge * Experience developing TOMs, strategies and roadmaps * Exposure to ServiceNow, cloud, M365 and SaaS environments * Strong supplier and senior stakeholder management skills * Experience working autonomously in complex organisations Government or wider public sector experience is highly desirable. Current SC clearance is a significant advantage, although candidates who are eligible to undergo clearance will also be considered. Relevant qualifications may include ITIL, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, AWS, Azure, ServiceNow, TOGAF or Agile. Hybrid working is expected, with regular team days primarily in London or Manchester. 100% remote working is not available