At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and support users with hands-on tech solutions.
- Company: Join Horizon, a values-driven leisure trust making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, healthcare plans, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with growth opportunities in a hybrid work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT while making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing IT services and supporting non-technical users required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Horizon is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking IT Manager to take on a newly created role at the heart of our organisation. This is a unique opportunity to shape and develop the future of IT at Horizon, while also remaining closely connected to day‑to‑day operations. This is a true hybrid role, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery. You will not only define and drive our IT roadmap, but also roll up your sleeves to support users, build and deploy equipment, and resolve technical queries where needed.
The Trust Horizon Leisure Centres is a leisure trust operating since 1997, with centres in Waterlooville, Havant and Guildford. We are passionate about health and wellbeing and are committed to making an outstanding positive impact on our customers and within our local community. Our mission is to support and inspire our local communities to live healthier and happier lives by providing affordable access to sport and leisure facilities to all.
The Role
As Horizon’s IT lead, you will:
- Develop and deliver our IT strategy and digital transformation plans
- Manage and hold accountable our outsourced IT provider
- Lead on cyber security, infrastructure, and systems development
- Provide hands‑on support, including laptop builds, user setup, and troubleshooting
- Act as the go‑to IT expert across the organisation
- Champion new technologies, including AI, to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Growth & Opportunity
As a newly established position, this role offers significant scope to grow and evolve over time. As Horizon continues its digital journey, there will be opportunities to:
- Expand the breadth and influence of the role
- Shape how IT supports wider organisational strategy
- Introduce new systems, capabilities, and innovations
- Potentially build and develop additional IT resource in the future
Your Experience
Essential
- Previously worked in a small to medium organisation with multiple locations
- Demonstrated experience of managing and directing outsourced IT services
- Experience leading IT change and delivering complex projects
- Experience supporting and training non‑technical users
Desirable
- Experience working in a charity, not‑for‑profit, or leisure sector setting
- Experience with AI technologies in business applications
- Familiarity with telecoms procurement and contract management
- Experience supporting data protection and GDPR compliance
- Creating Power BI Dashboards for useful insights
Your Qualifications
- Recognised IT qualification, degree or equivalent professional experience
- Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cyber security, and networks
- Microsoft certified desirable
- ITIL certification desirable
- Certification in project management (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile)
Your Competencies & Skills
- Competent in IT infrastructure administration and Microsoft technologies (essential)
- Positive, proactive can‑do attitude
- Power BI or similar reporting tools (desirable)
- Empowered to make innovative changes as appropriate and independently
- Excellent, confident and respectful communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with trustees, senior managers, and frontline staff
- Ability to work to strict deadlines and prioritise under pressure
- Highly motivated, ambitious and passionate
- Able to work alone and as part of the team
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- A flexible, proactive approach to work
- Dynamic, logical, organised approach to problem solving
- Transparent, consistent and accurate presentation skills
- Critical thinking and good analytical skills
- Exercises good judgement, using own initiative and strong decision-making skills
Why Join Us?
- Build and shape a function from the ground up
- Combine strategic influence with practical, hands‑on work
- Play a key role in a values‑driven organisation making a real difference
Benefits
- Free access to our award‑winning gym’s and exercise classes for you and a +1
- Employee discounts and wellbeing platform
- Healthcare Cash plan
- Free 24/7 access to GPs using our SmartHealth plan
- Employee Assistance Programme - support for when you need it most
- 23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday
- Internal recognition schemes
- Opportunities for training, development and progression
- Free onsite parking - subject to availability
- Hybrid and family friendly policies
- Generous company sick pay scheme
- Employee referral scheme
- Company pension scheme
- Death in service benefit
- And much more....
This role will be based at Havant but will be expected to travel to other company sites as the need requires.
Interview Process
The recruiting manager will review your CV and if shortlisted, you will be invited to a formal interview/assessment process where we will evaluate your suitability for the role. There may be times when due to the volume of applicants to need to close a vacancy early to avoid disappointment, be sure to get your application in as soon as possible!
If you are a recruitment agency, please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.
IT Manager in Havant employer: Horizon Leisure Centres
As a Weekend Receptionist at our Waterlooville centre, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service in a supportive and friendly environment. We offer a range of benefits including free gym access, employee discounts, and opportunities for personal development, ensuring that you not only thrive in your role but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us and experience a workplace that values your contributions and prioritises your wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Manager in Havant
✨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 Horizon Leisure Centres 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 Horizon Leisure Centres 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 Horizon Leisure Centres!
✨Direct Apply to Horizon Leisure Centres
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Horizon Leisure Centres 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 Manager in Havant
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 Horizon Leisure Centres.
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 Horizon Leisure Centres. 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 Horizon Leisure Centres
✨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.
