> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1981900-it-manager-hands-on-infrastructure-operations](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1981900-it-manager-hands-on-infrastructure-operations). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Operations)

- **Company:** Interface Recruitment
- **Location:** Widnes, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £40,000.0 - £45,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, Systems Engineering, Microsoft Azure, Business Systems, Information Technology Operations, Microsoft Office, Windows Servers, Firewalls (Computer Science)
- **Published:** August 8, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.interfacerecruitment.co.uk/job/it-manager-southport/?form=apply#wpjb-scroll

## About the Role

You'll be someone who enjoys variety and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up., * Enjoys owning an IT environment rather than working in a large corporate team.

 * Can comfortably communicate with everyone from shop floor users through to senior leadership.
 * Is commercially minded and enjoys solving business problems with technology.
 * Is equally happy delivering infrastructure projects and resolving day-to-day technical issues.
 * Can build strong relationships with external technology partners and suppliers.
 * Takes pride in delivering excellent customer service across the business.

## Description

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, privately owned manufacturing business looking for a hands-on IT Manager to take ownership of their entire IT operation.

This isn't a role where you'll spend your days managing people or sitting in meetings. Instead, you'll be the technical lead, trusted adviser and go-to person for everything IT, working closely with senior leadership while supporting users across manufacturing, warehouse and office environments.

Supporting around 230 employees (approximately 180 IT users) across multiple UK sites and an overseas operation, you'll enjoy genuine autonomy, varied project work and the opportunity to influence the future direction of technology within the business.

Working alongside a trusted Managed Service Provider and specialist technology partners, you'll oversee infrastructure, security, projects and day-to-day operational support while ensuring IT continues to enable business growth.

What You'll Be Doing

 * Taking full ownership of the company's IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
 * Managing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
 * Supporting Windows Server, Active Directory, networking and security.
 * Managing backups, disaster recovery and business continuity.
 * Working with external MSPs and technology vendors to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
 * Supporting users across office, warehouse and manufacturing environments.
 * Leading infrastructure upgrades, hardware refreshes and technology improvements.
 * Managing endpoint security and cyber security best practice.
 * Supporting business systems and reporting where required.
 * Acting as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical stakeholders., * Senior Infrastructure Engineer
 * IT Operations Manager
 * Technical Services Manager
 * Senior Systems Engineer

You'll ideally have experience with:

 * Microsoft 365
 * Azure
 * Active Directory
 * Windows Server
 * Networking, firewalls and switching
 * Backup and disaster recovery
 * Endpoint security
 * Hardware support
 * Vendor and supplier management
 * Supporting users in a manufacturing or operational environment


## Related Videos

- [Developer Tools for Microsoft Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/450-developer-tools-for-microsoft-azure)
- [This Is Not Your Father's .NET](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/967-this-is-not-your-father-s-net)
- [MCP Mashups: How AI Agents are Reviving the Programmable Web](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1392-mcp-mashups-how-ai-agents-are-reviving-the-programmable-web)
- [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure)
- [Develop enterprise-ready applications for Microsoft Teams with Azure resources on modern web technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/187-develop-enterprise-ready-applications-for-microsoft-teams-with-azure-resources-on-modern-web-technologies)
- [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone)

## Related Articles

- [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk)
- [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers)
- [UK Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/326-uk-business-culture-and-etiquette)
- [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)
- [Finding IT & Technology English-speaking Jobs in Germany ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/446-finding-it-technology-english-speaking-jobs-in-germany)
- [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager)