At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the IT function and drive improvements across multiple sites.
- Company: Established manufacturing business valuing IT as a key function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and genuine autonomy in your role.
- Other info: Opportunity for broad technical exposure and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology and business growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT management and hands-on technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, privately owned manufacturing business looking for a hands-on IT Manager to take ownership of their entire IT operation. This isn't a role where you'll spend your days managing people or sitting in meetings. Instead, you'll be the technical lead, trusted adviser and go-to person for everything IT, working closely with senior leadership while supporting users across manufacturing, warehouse and office environments.
Supporting around 230 employees (approximately 180 IT users) across multiple UK sites and an overseas operation, you'll enjoy genuine autonomy, varied project work and the opportunity to influence the future direction of technology within the business. Working alongside a trusted Managed Service Provider and specialist technology partners, you'll oversee infrastructure, security, projects and day-to-day operational support while ensuring IT continues to enable business growth.
What You'll Be Doing
- Taking full ownership of the company's IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
- Managing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
- Supporting Windows Server, Active Directory, networking and security.
- Managing backups, disaster recovery and business continuity.
- Working with external MSPs and technology vendors to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
- Supporting users across office, warehouse and manufacturing environments.
- Leading infrastructure upgrades, hardware refreshes and technology improvements.
- Managing endpoint security and cyber security best practice.
- Supporting business systems and reporting where required.
- Acting as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
You'll be someone who enjoys variety and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up. You'll likely have experience in roles such as:
- IT Manager
- Infrastructure Manager
- Senior Infrastructure Engineer
- IT Operations Manager
- Technical Services Manager
- Senior Systems Engineer
You'll ideally have experience with:
- Microsoft 365
- Azure
- Active Directory
- Windows Server
- Networking, firewalls and switching
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Endpoint security
- Hardware support
- Vendor and supplier management
- Supporting users in a manufacturing or operational environment
The Person
This role would suit someone who:
- Enjoys owning an IT environment rather than working in a large corporate team.
- Can comfortably communicate with everyone from shop floor users through to senior leadership.
- Is commercially minded and enjoys solving business problems with technology.
- Is equally happy delivering infrastructure projects and resolving day-to-day technical issues.
- Can build strong relationships with external technology partners and suppliers.
- Takes pride in delivering excellent customer service across the business.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a stable, successful business where IT is recognised as a key business function rather than simply a support service. You'll have genuine ownership, broad technical exposure, varied project work and the opportunity to shape the future technology roadmap while working in an environment where your contribution will have a visible impact. If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, business engagement and real autonomy, we'd love to hear from you.
Interface Recruitment has specialised in IT and technology recruitment for over 20 years. We welcome applications from experienced IT professionals looking for their next challenge.
IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Ops) in Southport employer: Interface Recruitment
Join a dynamic managed services provider in York, where your role as an IT Support Engineer will be supported by a friendly and collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth. With fully funded training, structured development plans, and genuine progression opportunities, this company is dedicated to investing in your future while you contribute to meaningful projects within the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Ops) in Southport
✨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 Interface Recruitment 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 Interface Recruitment 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 Interface Recruitment!
✨Direct Apply to Interface Recruitment
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Interface Recruitment 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 (Hands-On Infrastructure & Ops) in Southport
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 Interface Recruitment.
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 Interface Recruitment. 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 Interface Recruitment
✨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.
