At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT systems and support the organisation's growth with innovative technology solutions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to responsible leadership and impactful change.
- Benefits: Enjoy real ownership, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values curiosity, collaboration, and making a difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our systems while working with impressive people in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT operations, strong systems administration, and a passion for technology.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the Role
We're looking for an IT systems manager to support us in this next stage of our growth and impact. There is a strong sense of possibility in what we are building, and we need the foundations of our business - our tools, our data, our systems - to be able to support us to get there.
We are looking for someone with strong operational instinct, a genuine care for detail, and a real interest in how good systems and clean data quietly enable everything else an organisation does. You will have experience managing IT platforms, service delivery and data governance, and the confidence to spot what's broken, fix it, and put something better in its place. You are as comfortable troubleshooting a laptop issue as you are tightening up a data protection process.
This is a role designed to sit at the heart of our Engine, keeping the systems, data and platforms that the whole organisation relies on running smoothly. We are looking for someone with strong operational instincts, genuine curiosity about technology and AI, and a real belief in responsible leadership. In this position, you will play an active role in how the Engine itself develops, helping identify where we should invest, automate and strengthen our foundations.
These are the three core responsibilities, but this isn't a fixed job spec: we'll shape it with you, helping to develop your mastery and impact as you go.
- IT support, access and service delivery
- Act as the first point of contact for technology requests, managing triage, resolution and escalation.
- Take day-to-day ownership of the external IT support relationship, including onboarding and offboarding, permissions, access reviews, licence management, and the rollout of a password management system.
- Administer Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Notion, Salesforce and any new systems we bring online, covering configuration, housekeeping and basic troubleshooting.
- Make platform recommendations, and work with internal and external teams to roll-out new capabilities.
- Where routine requests are repetitive, experiment with AI-assisted triage or self-serve tools to reduce the manual load over time.
- Platform administration, data quality and automation
- Set and maintain data standards across platforms, including deduplication and routine audits - testing where AI can take on parts of this work directly rather than just scheduling it.
- Design, build and maintain the automations that connect our systems and keep processes running, such as Zapier workflows, form logic and notifications.
- Own the operational cadence for DPIAs, retention routines and policy compliance, and maintain documentation for data processing terms, security schedules and partner due diligence requirements.
- Data protection across the organisation
- Own how information and platforms are structured and maintained, including file structures, naming conventions, templates and reference documentation, so colleagues can find what they need and use our systems consistently.
- Lead a full readiness review of SharePoint & Notion, covering structure, permissions, metadata and suitability for AI-assisted knowledge retrieval - and use this as a live testing ground for how AI tools perform against real company data.
- As we launch new internal and partner-facing platforms, take responsibility for the operational side, including user support, testing, training, change communications and release coordination.
About You
- Detail and systems oriented
- Practical and able to exercise judgement under ambiguity
- Proactive about improving how things work
- Curious about technology, automation and AI
- Collaborative and service minded, good at working with people
Capabilities
- Ability to manage IT support, access and supplier relationships
- Strong systems administration across multiple platforms
- Ability to implement, improve and communicate operational workflows
- Strong data management and documentation discipline
- Ability to recommend and support technology change and user adoption
Experience
- ~5+ years’ experience in IT operations, systems administration or digital operations
- Experience managing multiple business systems
- Experience implementing or migrating a core platform
- Experience setting up workflows, integrations or automations
- Experience working in a small, growing organisation
About us
This is a rare opportunity: real ownership over the systems and infrastructure that power a growing organisation, at a level most places won't offer this early. Work alongside genuinely impressive people. Get exposure to real scale and complexity, and the chance to shape how we work, not just support it. Development we take as seriously as our partners' impact. And a team that cares, and knows how to enjoy the work too.
We work with real autonomy, help people build mastery, and believe work should enrich your life.
We are pragmatic idealists. Responsible leadership is the most important lever in shaping the future. We pair moral ambition with the discipline to follow through, and measure ourselves by outcomes, not intentions.
We Care for the work, the people we work with, and the leaders we support. Care without courage is just comfort, so we take the work seriously, in a way that is deeply human.
We build from multiple perspectives. We work with leaders from across business, government, and civil society, and from a range of backgrounds, because difference drives better thinking.
We challenge assumptions. We ask the questions others don't. Clarity starts with curiosity, and courage means acting on it; we would rather ask the hard questions than settle for received wisdom.
How to Apply
To apply, please send over to us: Your CV and covering letter and an additional covering video (maximum 90 seconds) answering the following question: What do you think responsible leadership looks like in the age of AI?
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We want to make this process as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any access needs or specific requirements, please get in touch.
About us
Shaping a better future through responsible leadership. We believe a better future is possible, and how we get there begins with leaders. The choices they make will determine the years to come. Responsible leadership is the courageous and creative use of power to shape a better future. It is a choice, and we help leaders choose it. Through breakthrough leadership programmes, advisory interventions and our 1,500+ strong leader community we equip leaders with the mindsets, capabilities, insight and tools to transform their organisations.
IT Systems Manager in London employer: Forward Institute
Join us as an IT Systems Manager and be part of a dynamic team that values your expertise in shaping the technological backbone of our growing organisation. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development, autonomy, and responsible leadership, ensuring you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside talented individuals. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique chance to influence how we operate and innovate, all while enjoying a supportive environment that truly cares about your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Systems Manager in London
✨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 Forward Institute 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 Forward Institute 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 Forward Institute!
✨Direct Apply to Forward Institute
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Forward Institute 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 Systems Manager in London
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 Forward Institute.
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 Forward Institute. 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 Forward Institute
✨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.
