IT Manager

We are seeking a strategic, technically strong, and hands-on IT Manager to lead our IT operations, infrastructure, and service delivery. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will define and deliver our technology roadmap, ensuring secure, resilient, and scalable systems that support our continued growth., As IT Manager, you will be responsible for the performance, development, and continuous improvement of the entire IT function. You will lead a small, capable team and work closely with senior stakeholders and the Information Security Manager to maintain high standards of security and compliance.

Leadership is central to this role, but it is not purely supervisory. You will stay closely involved in technical engineering work, acting as a senior escalation point, contributing to projects, resolving complex issues, and guiding the team with sound technical judgement. This combination of strategic focus and practical delivery is essential.

Working Arrangements

Our head office in Gloucestershire is available to those who prefer an office environment, but as a predominantly remote organisation, this role is remote-first. You will attend the office as required for key meetings, collaborative sessions, or major project work., * Develop and implement IT strategy, policies, and standards aligned with business objectives.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team, promoting excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day IT service delivery, ensuring reliable and high-quality support.
• Manage and optimise on-premises and cloud infrastructure for performance, scalability, and security.
• Act as senior technical escalation for complex issues and contribute directly to project and support work.
• Support and maintain security and compliance programmes, including alignment with ISO 27001.
• Plan and deliver IT projects to time, quality, and budget.
• Manage IT budgets, licensing, procurement, and supplier relationships.
• Develop, maintain, and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Ensure that IT solutions meet operational needs across the business.
• Promote innovation and continual improvement across IT operations.
• Maintain accurate IT documentation and provide regular reporting to the Executive Team.

• Proven experience in IT leadership or management roles within a technical environment.
• A strong engineering background with the ability to contribute directly to technical delivery.
• Clear and confident communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers, and cross-team projects.
• Ability to coach, support, and develop a high-performing technical team.
• A strategic mindset combined with a willingness to be hands-on where needed.

Technical Skills Required

This is a highly technical role. Candidates must bring solid, practical experience with the following:

• Microsoft Azure
• Resource management, networking, governance, identity, automation, security controls, virtual machine and container hosting, and cost optimisation.
• Microsoft 365 and E5 Suite
• Administration of Exchange Online, SharePoint and OneDrive, compliance features, conditional access, data loss prevention, and advanced E5 security capabilities.
• Microsoft Entra ID
• Identity management, single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, conditional access, identity protection, and integration with cloud and on-premises systems.
• Amazon Web Services
• Administration of core AWS services, identity and access management and networking.
• Scripting and Automation
• Practical experience with Bash, Python, and PowerShell for automation, tooling, and streamlining operational processes.
• Security Engineering
• System hardening, identity and endpoint security, logging and monitoring, incident response fundamentals, and secure configuration practices.
• Vulnerability Management
• Running and administering scanning platforms, triaging and prioritising findings, and supporting long-term remediation work.
• Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender
• Experience configuring Sentinel analytics, incident handling, hunting, automation playbooks, and the wider Defender suite including Endpoint, Identity, and Cloud Apps.
• Experience acting as a senior technical escalation point or providing third-line support is strongly preferred., * Eligible and willing to undergo UK government clearance (SC minimum).
• Good customer-facing communication skills.
• Ability to work independently within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills., * Has experience in IT leadership while remaining comfortable solving complex technical problems.
• Brings strong engineering experience across Azure, Microsoft 365, identity, modern security, and automation.
• Enjoys a balance between strategic planning and practical technical involvement.
• Acts as a natural mentor and supports the development of colleagues.
• Is proactive, curious, and confident introducing new tools, processes, and technologies.
• Communicates clearly and collaborates well across both technical and non-technical teams.
• Takes a security-focussed approach and values reliability, resilience, and good engineering practice.