At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT systems and support over 140 colleagues in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join CSE, a charity dedicated to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable energy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social and environmental justice while developing your IT skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with IT systems, GDPR knowledge, and a collaborative mindset are essential.
- Other info: CSE values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Senior IT Manager
Location: Bristol (hybrid working available)
Salary: £47,508- £55,953 per annum (Scale 1), depending on skills, relevant experience, and qualifications
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (applications for reduced hours, min. 30 hours, will be considered.)
Closing date: 9am, Monday 28th July 2025
About us:
CSE is a national charity based in Bristol with a clear mission: to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We believe in a future where everyone can live in a warm, healthy home powered by a fair and sustainable energy system – and we work with people, organisations and communities to help make that a reality. We collaborate across teams and disciplines to deliver practical change, and we're proud of our independence, integrity and commitment to social justice.
The role:
We're looking for a Senior IT Manager to help us deliver secure, sustainable and people-focused IT systems, and support more than 140 colleagues to do their best work. If you're someone who thrives on solving problems, improving processes, and helping others feel confident with tech, this is a role where your skills can make a real impact. As Senior IT Manager, you will lead on all things IT across CSE and our subsidiary, Retrofit West CIC. From supporting staff day-to-day to managing our infrastructure and external support partner, you will ensure our systems are secure, fit for purpose, and evolving with our needs.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing our internal IT systems, tools and infrastructure.
- Being the main contact for our external IT support provider.
- Supporting colleagues with advice and day-to-day tech issues.
- Acting as CSE's effective Data Protection Officer (training provided).
- Maintaining cyber security and overseeing our Cyber Essentials compliance.
- Supporting our bespoke in-house databases and CRM systems.
- Advising on IT procurement and platform decisions.
- Contributing to business continuity planning and risk management.
- This is a practical, hands-on role where you'll help us run smoothly, safely, and sustainably – while also contributing to longer-term planning and improvements.
Who you are:
You are calm under pressure, process-minded, and focused on making things work better. You enjoy working across teams, finding simple solutions to complex problems, and supporting others to use technology with confidence.
You will bring:
- Experience managing IT systems, infrastructure and external providers.
- Working knowledge of GDPR and cyber security best practice.
- Familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and cloud services.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage risk and prioritise effectively.
- A people-focused approach- patient, clear and collaborative.
What we offer:
Working at CSE means being part of a supportive, purpose-driven team, where your skills contribute to real social and environmental change. We offer:
- Salary: £47,508 – £55,953 (Salary Grade I)*
- Pension: 8% employer / 6% employee
- Holiday: 25 days AL plus BH's
- Flexibility: TOIL programme and flexibility to support work-life balance
- A commitment to supporting your career progression and continued development
- A range of staff-led groups, including our Employee Voice and EDI working group
- Wellbeing:
- Health Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sick pay
- Access to retail discounts and discounted breakdown cover
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff activities like yoga at lunch and a book club
- Financial support & lifestyle benefits:
- Tech Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture and values:
At CSE, our values shape how we work together and with others.
- Commitment to CSE
- Collaboration
- Conscientiousness
- Initiative
How to apply:
To apply, please click apply and check your emails and complete the application form sent to you. You can also download this from our CSE website.
We will also consider CVs (max. 3 pages) accompanied by a supporting letter, if preferred. However, all applications should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the person specification outlined in the job description.
- Application deadline: 9am, Monday 28th July 2025
If you do not hear from us by the 6th of August 2025, please assume your application has not been successful.
Interviews:
- Initial interviews – w/c Monday 4th August 2025.
- Second round interviews – w/c Monday 11th August 2025.
Applications should be sent by:
- Email – The email address provided within the email you receive or,
- Post – Reception, Centre for Sustainable Energy, St James Court, St James Parade, Bristol BS1 3LH
If you require any reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to accommodate your needs.
Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: IT Manager, IT Team Leader, IT Services Manager, IT Service Manager, IT Technical Manager, may also be considered for this role.
Senior IT Manager employer: Centre for Sustainable Energy
Contact Detail:
Centre for Sustainable Energy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IT Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Centre for Sustainable Energy's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to tackling the climate emergency will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of CSE, especially those in IT roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved IT systems or processes in previous roles. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively will resonate well with the team-oriented environment at CSE.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in cyber security and data protection, particularly GDPR compliance. Being knowledgeable about these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show that you're proactive and ready to take on the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior IT Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable energy and your relevant IT management experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed IT systems and supported teams in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV, emphasise your experience with IT systems, infrastructure management, and knowledge of GDPR and cyber security best practices. Make sure to include any familiarity with platforms like Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since the role requires a people-focused approach, include examples of how you've effectively collaborated with colleagues and supported them in using technology. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Sustainable Energy
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a Senior IT Manager, you'll be expected to tackle complex issues. Prepare examples of past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, particularly in IT systems management or cyber security.
✨Demonstrate Your People-Focused Approach
This role requires collaboration with various teams. Be ready to discuss how you've supported colleagues in using technology confidently and how you handle onboarding and tech-related queries.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CSE's Mission
Understanding the Centre for Sustainable Energy's goals will help you align your answers with their values. Research their projects and think about how your IT expertise can contribute to their mission of tackling the climate emergency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on GDPR, cyber security best practices, and specific platforms like Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. Brush up on these topics to demonstrate your technical knowledge and readiness for the role.