IT Manager

IT Manager

Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (ST1)

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (typically 9:00am - 5:00pm, with flexibility required depending on project demands)

Permanent, Office-Based role

The Role

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are seeking an experienced and proactive IT Manager to lead and develop the IT function within a growing business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the company's IT infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity strategy, and technology projects while supporting both UK and international operations. You will have one direct report who is a IT Analyst.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will be responsible for maintaining robust IT systems, driving continuous improvements, managing key technology projects, and ensuring the business remains secure, efficient, and future-focused.

Key Responsibilities

IT Infrastructure Management

Manage server environments, network configurations, cloud infrastructure, and hardware/software solutions.

Ensure system reliability, performance, and scalability across the business.

Maintain and optimise IT operations to support business growth.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

Develop and implement security protocols and policies.

Conduct risk assessments and support incident response activities.

Ensure compliance with data protection and information security regulations.

Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning initiatives.

Project Management

Lead IT projects from planning through to successful deployment.

Deliver projects within agreed scope, timescales, and budgets.

Support software implementations, system upgrades, and technology transformation initiatives.

Play a key role in ERP/MRP system improvements and migrations.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Manage technology vendors, software providers, and service partners.

Present technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Global Technology Support

Collaborate with international colleagues and regional IT teams.

Recommend, develop, implement, and support technology solutions across the wider organisation.

Assist in the development and implementation of IT policies, procedures, and best practices.

Budget & Resource Management

Manage IT budgets and technology expenditure.

Drive cost efficiencies while maintaining service quality.

Support procurement activities and contract negotiations.

Team Leadership

Provide leadership and support to the IT Analyst.

Encourage professional development and continuous improvement.

Foster a culture of innovation and high performance.

About You

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

Previous experience managing or mentoring IT staff.

Strong project management experience with successful delivery of IT projects.

Excellent understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management, and security compliance.

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

Strong knowledge of systems administration and database management.

Experience managing IT budgets, vendors, and technology procurement.

Understanding of IT service management frameworks and operational best practices.

Experience developing disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.

Desirable Experience

Experience with ERP or MRP system migrations.

Knowledge of cloud computing technologies.

Exposure to IoT and AI/ML solutions.

Experience using Microsoft Dynamics AX.

Familiarity with Atlassian tools including Jira and Confluence.

Benefits

Company Pension Scheme

4x Life Insurance