Job title: Senior Manager IT Operations
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Management Consultancy
Functional Expertise: IT
Salary from: 40,000.00 AED
Salary to: 45,000.00 AED
Location: Abu Dhabi Region, Abu Dhabi
Job published: 13/08/2026
Job ID: 52936
Contact name: Claire Swann

Job Description

We are partnering with a well-established group in Abu Dhabi to appoint an experienced IT Operations Senior Manager. Reporting to the CTO and leading a small team, you’ll be accountable for the reliability, scalability, and security of the technology that keeps the business running, from networks and systems to storage and end-user support.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role with a clear mandate: standardise and modernise IT operations across multiple entities, strengthen cybersecurity and governance, and partner with the CTO on enterprise-wide transformation. Our client offers real ownership and the opportunity to shape how IT is delivered across the group.

Responsibilities

Run IT operations and service delivery. Lead operations across infrastructure, networks, systems, storage, and end-user support. Keep services available, performant, and reliable; mature ITSM (ITIL) practices; and define and monitor the SLAs and KPIs that keep the function accountable.

Oversee infrastructure, systems, and storage. Take responsibility for networks, servers, cloud platforms, enterprise systems, and storage, ensuring they’re resilient, optimised, and ready to scale. Manage lifecycle, upgrades, patching, and capacity, and drive standardisation across entities.

Strengthen cybersecurity and manage risk. Harden security across systems, networks, and endpoints; align to recognised frameworks and controls; and lead monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management, working with external partners where needed.

Manage vendors and partners. Get the best from vendors, MSPs, and system integrators by holding them to SLAs, evaluating performance, optimising cost and outcomes, and supporting the procurement of IT solutions.

Drive governance and alignment. Align IT operations across group entities, establish policies and standards, and strengthen governance in line with COBIT so systems and processes stay consistent as the business grows.

Lead and develop the team. Build a high-performing, service-focused operations team and grow capability across infrastructure and service management.

Requirements

  • 10+ years in IT operations, infrastructure, and enterprise environments
  • Strong expertise across systems, storage, networks, and end-user environments
  • Proven delivery of IT operations in multi-entity or complex environments
  • Solid grounding in IT service management (ITIL) frameworks
  • Experience in project delivery and management (PMP or PRINCE2 methodologies preferred)
  • Exposure to IT governance frameworks (COBIT or equivalent)
  • Strong vendor and system integrator management experience
  • The ability to think beyond established frameworks by applying innovation and creative problem-solving to complex business and technology challenges

Education and certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field
  • ITIL certification (ITIL 4 or the latest version in line with industry standards)
  • Cloud certifications (Azure / AWS)
  • Networking certification (CCNA or equivalent)
  • Project Management certification (PMP / PRINCE2)
  • IT Governance certification (COBIT)
  • Security certifications (CISM, CISSP)

If you’re an IT operations leader ready to modernise and scale IT across a complex environment, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now with an up-to-date CV, and we will be in touch to discuss the opportunity in confidence. Only candidates who meet the criteria will be contacted.