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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Group IT Manager - **Company:** Aka Recruitment - **Location:** Kent, UK - **Salary:** £60,000.0 - £70,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Access, Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, Backup Devices, Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery, IT Management, Information Technology Operations, Internetworking, Wi-Fi Technology, Information Technology, User Accounts - **Published:** August 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.co.uk/job/gb5a4e07642030518cedcd45d2f2beb34a/eaa ## About the Role * Significant experience within IT operations, infrastructure, systems administration or IT management in a commercial organisation. * Experience supporting a multi-site organisation with the ability to balance strategic decisions, supplier management and hands-on problem solving. * Strong practical understanding of business networking, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi and telephony. * Experience administering Microsoft business environments including Microsoft 365, Active Directory/Entra ID or comparable platforms. * Good understanding of cyber security, user access, endpoint management, backups and disaster recovery. * Experience managing IT assets, software licences and technology suppliers. * Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to coordinate internal and external resources to restore services quickly. * Strong project management and organisational skills. * Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical colleagues. * Strong commercial awareness and the ability to assess technology expenditure based on business value. * Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel regularly between Group locations. Desirable Experience: * Experience with Keyloop, Autoline, Drive or another automotive Dealer Management System . * Previous IT experience within a motor dealership or automotive retail group . * Experience supporting multi-site retail, hospitality or other operationally intensive businesses. * Knowledge of Cyber Essentials or similar cyber-security frameworks. * Experience with dealer manufacturer portals and automotive retail systems. * IT supplier and contract negotiation experience. * Experience with system implementation, migration or dealership acquisition projects. Motor-trade experience is advantageous but not essential , with strong multi-site IT Managers from other commercial sectors also encouraged to apply. ## Description * Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation and development of the Group's IT environment. * Own and administer the Keyloop dealer management system and associated dealership and manufacturer systems. * Manage IT infrastructure across multiple sites, including networks, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, telephony and communications. * Manage user accounts, permissions, security, directories, backups and business continuity. * Oversee servers, PCs, laptops, mobile devices, printers and wider IT assets across the Group. * Maintain appropriate cyber-security standards, endpoint protection, patching, access control and data protection. * Manage relationships with external IT, telecoms, software, cyber-security and hardware suppliers. * Take ownership of IT incidents and ensure critical issues affecting dealership operations are resolved quickly. * Manage the procurement, installation, replacement and lifecycle of IT hardware, software and communications equipment. * Coordinate system installations, upgrades and changes with departmental managers while minimising disruption to the business. * Maintain accurate IT asset and licence registers alongside comprehensive systems documentation. * Review existing systems and identify opportunities to improve reliability, simplify processes and reduce unnecessary costs. * Support department heads with management information and help teams make better use of dealership and manufacturer systems. * Develop reports, forms, workflows and technology solutions to improve business efficiency. * Manage technology projects including system migrations, new dealership openings, refurbishments, manufacturer system changes and infrastructure upgrades. * Support new employees and managers with system access and appropriate systems training. * Work with management to establish effective IT policies, controls and disaster-recovery arrangements. * Monitor supplier performance, contracts and expenditure while assisting with the Group IT budget. * Attend management meetings and provide clear advice to directors and managers regarding IT risk, investment and future requirements. * Regularly visit Group sites and provide hands-on support when required. ## Related Videos - [Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1495-your-manager-doesn-t-come-with-a-user-manual-but-you-can-totally-write-one) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [Hate organising your photos? 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