IT Director

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded IT Manager / IT Director to lead and develop our technology function. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the company’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems, applications, vendors, and technology strategy as well as providing support to users at our head office and stores.

The successful candidate will ensure our technology environment is secure, reliable, scalable, and aligned with business objectives while providing excellent support to users across the organisation.

This role would suit an experienced IT Manager who enjoys a hands on operational role as well as provide strategic IT direction for the company and influence the companies IT strategies going forward.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Leadership

· Develop and implement the company’s IT strategy and roadmap.

· Align technology initiatives with business goals and growth plans.

· Manage IT budgets, vendors, contracts, and technology investments.

· Provide regular reporting to senior management on IT performance, risks, and opportunities.

Infrastructure & Operations

· Manage all IT infrastructure including servers, cloud services, networking, WiFi, storage, and end-user devices.

· Ensure high availability and performance of business-critical systems.

· Oversee backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.

· Maintain comprehensive IT documentation and asset management.

Cybersecurity

· Lead cybersecurity strategy and best practices.

· Manage security monitoring, endpoint protection, MFA, identity management, and access controls.

· Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans.

· Ensure compliance with relevant security and data protection standards.

Systems & Applications

· Manage Microsoft 365, on site servers and infrastructure, cloud platforms, business applications Epos, WMS and ERP systems

· Drive system improvements and digital transformation initiatives.

· Identify opportunities for automation and operational efficiency.

· Support application integration and data management projects.

Service Delivery

· Provide leadership for IT support services.

· Establish and maintain service levels and user satisfaction standards.

· Manage third-party support providers and technology partners.

· Provide support to staff at head office and in our stores

Essential

· 7+ years’ experience in IT infrastructure, operations, or technology leadership.

· Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Group Policy, networking, and cloud technologies.

· Experience managing cybersecurity, backup, and disaster recovery environments.

· Experience managing external vendors and technology suppliers.

· Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.

· Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable

· Experience leading digital transformation initiatives.

· Knowledge cybersecurity frameworks, or compliance standards.

· Experience with ERP, CRM, or enterprise business systems.

Personal Attributes

· Commercially aware and business focused.

· Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

· Hands-on and willing to roll up your sleeves when required.

· Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

· Able to build trust and credibility across all levels of the business.

· Competitive salary

· Opportunity to shape the technology strategy of a growing business.

· Significant autonomy and influence within the organisation.

Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your experience, key achievements, and why you would be a great fit for this role.

Pay: £42,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

APAC Group are a fast-growing group of companies with diverse interests across importing, wholesale and retail.

We are a large importer supplying product to wholesalers, garden centres and supermarkets. Our products are represented in all supermarkets in the UK and many large retailers.

We also trade out of 20 cash and carries (Whittingtons and Country Baskets), one garden centre (Rowena), an online retail business (UK Shopping Mall) and a have a European office and distribution centre. Our head office is based in Rothley, Leicester.