IT Operations & Security Manager - up to £80k + bonus in Manchester

Our client is a fast-growing UK infrastructure business that develops, operates, and maintains a nationwide network of public assets and services. Since its launch in 2019, the organisation has expanded rapidly across the UK, supported by significant private investment and long-term funding.

With a growing national footprint, the business is focused on delivering reliable, accessible infrastructure that serves communities, supports economic growth, and provides an excellent customer experience. It works closely with a broad range of partners and suppliers to ensure its services remain resilient, secure, and fit for the future.

The organisation places a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, recognising that high-quality digital services and operational excellence are fundamental to its continued growth.

The Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and experienced IT Operations & Security Manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of its IT services, ensuring business continuity, operational efficiency, and the security of its technology estate.

Working closely with both internal stakeholders and a range of specialist third-party providers, you will be responsible for maintaining and continually improving the organisation's IT operations, infrastructure, and security. As a lean business with outsourced IT services, the role requires strong supplier management skills across areas including Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, business applications, websites, CRM systems, and cyber security services.

This is an operational management position rather than a project delivery role. Responsibility for major technology projects sits elsewhere within the organisation, allowing this role to focus on ensuring core business systems remain secure, stable, and effectively managed.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations & Service Management

• Own the day-to-day operation and delivery of IT services across the business.
• Work with managed service providers to ensure the availability and effective administration of Microsoft 365, business applications, end-user devices, and workplace technology.
• Manage user onboarding, offboarding, permissions, licensing, and access controls.
• Oversee the full IT asset lifecycle, including procurement, deployment, asset registers, and decommissioning.
• Manage endpoint and device administration, including laptops, mobile devices, and asset tracking.
• Act as the primary escalation point for IT incidents and service-related issues.
• Maintain backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity arrangements.
• Ensure systems are well documented, supportable, and operating effectively.
• Collaborate with business teams and suppliers to continuously improve the employee technology experience.
• Oversee cloud environments, including AWS and Azure, working alongside specialist partners.
• Maintain ownership of domains, DNS, and associated security certificates through external providers.

IT Security & Compliance

• Own and continually enhance the organisation's cyber security controls, standards, and best practices.
• Manage identity and access management, including MFA, conditional access, and least-privilege principles.
• Coordinate vulnerability management, patching, security monitoring, and incident response activities.
• Lead security incident management in partnership with external security providers.
• Maintain security policies, risk registers, and compliance documentation.
• Support regulatory compliance and audit requirements.
• Coordinate penetration testing, security audits, and supplier assurance activities.
• Manage responses to Subject Access Requests, working with relevant stakeholders where required.
• Promote security awareness across the business and ensure employees understand their responsibilities.
• Work with suppliers to ensure systems remain secure, resilient, and compliant.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with IT suppliers and managed service partners.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed service levels.
• Coordinate the resolution of major incidents and service issues.
• Support the transition of new technologies into operational support.
• Identify opportunities to improve service performance, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Promote IT best practice across the business through clear communication, guidance, and user support.
• Develop and deliver presentations, user guidance, and IT training for employees.