Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week)

Employment Type: Permanent, full time

Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as an IT Operations Director means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.

Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.

#LI-Hybrid

This is the job

Join the AA as our IT Operations Director and take a leading role in shaping the future of our technology landscape. As part of the Chief Information Office (CIO) leadership team, you’ll oversee enterprise infrastructure, colleague tech experience, and a wide-ranging programme portfolio from cloud transitions and AI-driven improvements to modernising data centres and rolling out new patrol tech.

This is a high-impact role where you’ll drive innovation, build strategic partnerships, and lead a large internal and third-party team. With accountability for major budgets and service delivery, you’ll be empowered to deliver operational excellence while continuously improving how we support our colleagues and customers through technology.

What will I be doing?

• Modernising Technology: Lead the transformation of legacy systems, embracing cloud, AI, and automation to drive efficiency and performance.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee 1st to 3rd line support, infrastructure services, telephony and end-user computing (EUC) to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Cyber & Security Leadership: Champion robust security practices and compliance across all operations.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and third-party partners to deliver value and innovation.
• Strategic Budgeting: Manage a £30M Opex and £10M Capex budget, ensuring ROI and cost-effectiveness.
• Empowering Leadership: Lead with clarity and purpose - cultivating talent, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a high-performance culture rooted in excellence.

What do I need?

• Proven IT leadershipacross enterprise infrastructure, operations, and service delivery, with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement and team inspiration.
• Modernisation expertise, including cloud migration, AI integration, and automation - driving efficiencies and future-ready solutions.
• Cybersecurity and risk resilienceexperience, with hands-on incident and crisis management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• End User Compute (EUC) proficiency, covering device and application management to enhance colleague tech experience.
• Strategic and commercial acumen, balancing long-term vision with operational delivery, and demonstrating clear ROI through effective budget management.
• Adaptable and forward-thinking, with a strong drive to embrace emerging technologies and lead teams confidently through change and transformation.

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.