IT Manager - Infrastructure / Hands-On - Derbyshire / Yorkshire

We're looking for a hands-on IT Manager to lead the technology agenda across a growing multi-site business.

This is a newly created role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and is comfortable being a team of one - managing suppliers, driving delivery, and influencing stakeholders across the business.

You'll be responsible for shaping and executing a divisional technology roadmap that supports both organic growth and acquisition integration, while ensuring alignment with broader business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technology Strategy & Architecture:

• Translate business needs into a clear, actionable technology roadmap.

• Design scalable solutions to support future growth and acquisitions.

• Ensure alignment with group-wide technology standards and direction.

• Project Delivery & Transformation:

• Lead and deliver key IT initiatives across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, and business systems.

• Act as the escalation point for IT-related issues and manage external delivery partners.

• Support integration of newly acquired businesses into the existing technology landscape.

• Vendor & Supplier Management:

• Own relationships with third-party technology vendors, ensuring performance, resilience, and value.

• Oversee renewals, contract negotiations, and service delivery.

• Evaluate and evolve the supplier strategy as the business grows.

• Operational Support & Governance:

• Refine and implement support models for core platforms and services.

• Define and lead governance frameworks for IT projects and service delivery.

• Ensure robust cybersecurity practices and compliance across all sites.

• Innovation & Data Strategy:

• Identify opportunities to leverage data and emerging technologies (e.g. AI, automation).

• Provide solution architecture guidance for efficiency and digital transformation initiatives.

• Proven experience in a hands-on IT leadership role, ideally within a high-growth or scale-up environment.
• Comfortable working independently and managing through influence rather than direct reports.
• Strong technical background across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems.
• Experience managing third-party vendors and delivering complex IT projects.
• Exposure to M&A integration or multi-site operations is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Rotherham and Chesterfield sites and potentially further to other sites.