GETTING TO KNOW…THE LIFELINE IT OPERATIONS EXPERT

Running IT and tech projects was never something that Lifeline IT’s Charlotte Jeyaratnam had planned for.

Yet the former in-store window creative and clothing designer turned her love of organisation and spreadsheets into a career, rising from assistant to company Head of Operations.

We talk to Charlotte, who has been with Lifeline IT since 2017, about her role and what it means for clients.

What does your job at Lifeline IT involve?

As Head of Operations, I oversee all project planning and delivery and report on projects. I also oversee administration and procurement. There’s a lot to juggle but I love being busy and facing new challenges. Since joining Lifeline IT, I’ve gained my ITIL Certification in IT Service Management and PRINCE2 Practitioner in Project Management.

What did you do before you joined Lifeline IT?

I’m from quite a creative background and I used to work for M&S and Debenhams doing in-store windows. Then I had a market stall and made and sold my own clothes. But I really missed working in a team and bouncing ideas off people. And I love spreadsheets so operations is something that really works for me. I joined Lifeline IT as an operations assistant and haven’t looked back since.

Any challenges of the job?

Projects can be a real challenge as things can go off track so easily – you need to keep on top of everything so you can pull things back quickly and avoid any issues. I’m the go-between between the engineers and the client, so it’s important that I fully understand what is happening with a project so I can explain things to the clients in easy-to-understand terms.

Do you consider yourself an IT and tech expert?

I like to think I’m reasonably tech savvy but then sometimes the engineers talk in a language I don’t understand as they really are the experts! Having worked here for nearly five years my tech knowledge has increased hugely, but the most important thing is being able to liaise with the clients efficiently and ensure we’re on top of everything.

Best thing about working at Lifeline IT?

Definitely the people. They’re such a different bunch of individuals that I would never have got to meet had I not worked here. We work hard but have fun as well, which makes the job really enjoyable – it often doesn’t feel like work.

Outside of Lifeline IT, what do you enjoy?

My husband and I love food and eating out at restaurants. The best restaurant I’ve ever been to is Restaurant Story in London. We have a one-year-old, so we’re trying to juggle still being able to eat out with a baby, which can be tricky!

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