IT Manager

Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum
Working Pattern: Office-based
Benefits: Company benefits package

We are currently recruiting for an experienced IT Manager to join a successful and growing organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent.

This is an excellent opportunity for an IT professional with a strong background in IT infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity and project management to take responsibility for the day-to-day IT function while supporting the continued development of technology across the organisation.

The successful candidate will have experience managing IT infrastructure and systems, leading and developing an IT team, delivering technology projects and working with both internal stakeholders and external technology providers.

Key Responsibilities

IT Infrastructure Management

• Manage and maintain server environments, networks, cloud infrastructure and hardware/software solutions.

• Ensure the reliability, performance and security of IT infrastructure.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical and network issues.

Cybersecurity

• Implement and maintain appropriate IT security protocols and policies.

• Conduct risk assessments and support incident response.

• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

• Ensure compliance with relevant data protection and security regulations.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor and develop the IT team.

• Work closely with internal departments and senior stakeholders to understand technology requirements.

• Manage relationships with external suppliers, vendors and technology partners.

• Communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical colleagues.

Project Management

• Manage IT projects from initial planning through to implementation and completion.

• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timescales and budgets.

• Support the implementation of new systems, including MRP/ERP solutions.

Technical Expertise

• Oversee network administration, systems architecture, database administration and software deployment.

• Support technology across multiple platforms and environments.

• Work with other IT stakeholders to identify and implement cost-effective technology solutions.

Policies & Procedures

• Develop, maintain and implement IT policies, procedures and guidelines.

• Ensure IT operations remain compliant and aligned with business requirements.

Budget & Vendor Management

• Manage IT budgets and expenditure.

• Identify opportunities for cost control and resource optimisation.

• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, software licences and service agreements.

Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry developments.

• Identify opportunities to improve IT systems, processes and service delivery.

• Encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Information Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Business Informatics or a comparable qualification is desirable.

Required Experience & Skills

• 5–10 years' experience in IT infrastructure management, systems administration and network operations.

• Proven experience managing an IT team, including mentoring and developing team members.

• Strong project management experience, including the successful delivery of system upgrades and software implementations.

• Good knowledge of cybersecurity practices, including security policies, risk assessments and incident response.

• Experience with networking technologies including firewalls, VPNs, switches and routers.

• Strong knowledge of systems and database administration.

• Experience managing IT budgets, cost optimisation and vendor relationships.

• Familiarity with IT service management frameworks and best practices.

• Experience ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations.

• Proven experience with disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

• Strong stakeholder management and cross-departmental collaboration skills.

• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences.

• Experience with cloud computing, IoT and AI/ML would be advantageous.

• Strong analytical, conceptual and organisational skills.

• Strong negotiation skills relating to vendors, software licensing and service agreements.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £50,000 – £55,000

• Office-based position in Stoke-on-Trent

• Company benefits package

• Opportunity to take ownership of the IT function within a growing organisation

• The chance to lead IT projects and contribute to the organisation's future technology strategy