At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch IT support and manage data protection across our care homes.
- Company: Join Athena Care Homes, a family-owned business dedicated to compassionate care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, a competitive salary, and a free Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by ensuring tech runs smoothly for our teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT support, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
As the IT and Data Protection Manager at Athena Care Homes, you will be the initial in‑house line of contact for IT support enquiries, working to resolve or escalate their technical issues in a prompt and professional manner.
Athena Care Homes is an award‑winning, family‑owned business operating seven residential nursing homes in East Anglia where care and compassion run through to our very core.
The IT and Data Protection Manager will provide high‑quality IT support across our homes and central support teams. Acting as the first point of contact for IT enquiries, you will play a key role in ensuring colleagues have reliable access to the systems, devices, and technology they need to deliver exceptional care and operational excellence. This varied and hands‑on role combines technical support, systems administration, supplier management, digital transformation, cyber‑security coordination, and data protection responsibilities. As Athena’s Data Protection lead, you will also support the organisation in maintaining compliance with data protection legislation, cyber‑security standards, and industry certifications.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Deliver responsive on‑site, remote, and telephone IT support, training, and guidance for colleagues across Athena Care Homes, acting as the first point of contact for IT queries and technical issues.
- Manage the full lifecycle of IT equipment, systems, and user accounts, including onboarding and offboarding, device management through Miradore MDM and Microsoft Intune, licensing, inventory control, and secure equipment disposal.
- Oversee and support Athena’s digital infrastructure and systems, including cloud services, SharePoint, communication systems, VOIP, CCTV, call bell systems, and ongoing digital transformation projects.
- Lead IT compliance, cyber‑security, and data protection activities, including policy management, breach reporting, DPIAs, RoPA maintenance, Cyber Essentials, NHS DSPT, PCI DSS, and liaison with external IT providers and cyber insurers.
- Maintain awareness of emerging AI technologies and digital innovations, advising the business on opportunities, risks, and practical implementation solutions to support operational efficiency, compliance, and organisational objectives.
Training, Skills & Experience Required
- Previous experience in a similar IT support or IT management role, ideally within a multi‑site environment.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Windows operating systems, cloud services, and device management platforms.
- Experience managing IT suppliers, projects, systems, or cyber‑security and compliance activities.
- Excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across all levels.
- Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel between locations and support occasional out‑of‑hours requirements.
What we can offer
- Fully comprehensive induction.
- 33 days of holiday per year.
- Free Blue Light Card & access to the Blue Light discount platform.
- Refer a friend scheme.
- Salary £40,000 to £45,000 per annum.
Shift Pattern
- 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Base Location
- Central Office, Russel House, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6TF – plus travel to all care homes in accordance with your role.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, or background.
IT and Data Protection Manager in Basildon employer: Athenacarehomes
Athena Care Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises care and compassion, offering a supportive work culture where IT and Data Protection Managers can thrive. With a comprehensive induction programme, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact across our seven residential nursing homes in East Anglia. The family-owned ethos fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that every team member feels valued and integral to our mission of delivering outstanding care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT and Data Protection Manager in Basildon
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Athenacarehomes values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Athenacarehomes might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Athenacarehomes!
✨Direct Apply to Athenacarehomes
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Athenacarehomes website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT and Data Protection Manager in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Athenacarehomes.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Athenacarehomes. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athenacarehomes
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
