IT Manager in Reading

IT Manager - Infrastructure, Security & ComplianceUp to £60,000 | Reading HQ | Office-Based, Hybrid or Fully Remote for the Right Candidate

Jackson Hogg are delighted to be supporting an innovative and rapidly growing AI and biotechnology organisation in the search for an experienced IT Manager.

This is a critical hire for the business and will suit someone who combines strong infrastructure and operational IT leadership with a proven track record of owning, managing and continuously improving ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus frameworks. The successful candidate will be responsible for the security, compliance, governance and day-to-day management of the organisation's IT estate, ensuring it remains secure, scalable and fit for future growth.

Operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare and life sciences, the organisation is developing cutting-edge solutions that are transforming scientific research and healthcare innovation. Technology sits at the heart of everything they do, making this a highly visible role with significant influence across the business.

The Role

As IT Manager, you will take ownership of the company's infrastructure, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, end-user computing and overall IT operations.

A key part of the role will be acting as the internal owner for ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, ensuring compliance standards are maintained, audits are successfully delivered and security best practices are embedded throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support Microsoft 365, including Entra ID, Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and Intune
• Administer Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including IAM, networking, monitoring and security
• Manage network infrastructure including firewalls, switches, VPNs, Wi-Fi, DNS and DHCP
• Oversee endpoint security, patch management, software deployment and asset management
• Provide technical leadership and support across business systems, applications and user services
• Own vulnerability management activities and drive remediation programmes
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, migrations and continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage backup, disaster recovery, business continuity and incident response processes
• Develop and improve IT policies, governance standards and security procedures
• Manage third-party suppliers, software vendors and external IT partners
• Act as the business owner for ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus
• Lead internal and external audits, risk assessments and compliance activities
• Develop, implement and maintain information security policies, controls and governance frameworks
• Drive security awareness and best practice across the organisation
• Ensure the business remains audit-ready and compliant with all relevant security standards

Essential Experience (Must Have)Applications will only be considered from candidates with hands-on ownership of ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.

You must be able to demonstrate:

• Ownership and maintenance of an ISO 27001-certified environment
• Hands-on ownership of Cyber Essentials Plus certification and audit processes
• Experience leading internal and external compliance audits
• Strong knowledge of information security governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Experience implementing and improving security controls, policies and procedures
• Ownership of risk assessments, remediation plans and corrective actions
• Experience driving security initiatives and compliance programmes across a business
• The ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels and champion security best practice

Please note: This role is not suitable for candidates who have simply worked within ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus environments. We are specifically seeking someone who has taken ownership and accountability for these frameworks.

Technical Skills & Experience

We're looking for an experienced IT Manager with strong knowledge across several of the following areas:

• Microsoft 365 & Entra ID
• Intune and endpoint management
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• Windows, macOS and Linux environments
• Networking, firewalls, VPNs and wireless technologies
• Identity and access management
• Cybersecurity tools and best practices
• SaaS administration
• Backup and disaster recovery solutions
• IT asset and licence management
• IT governance, documentation and policy development
• ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus compliance management

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £60,000
• Flexible working arrangements with office-based, hybrid or fully remote options available for the right candidate
• Opportunity to join a genuinely innovative AI and life sciences business
• Significant autonomy and ownership
• The opportunity to shape the organisation's IT, security and compliance strategy
• Exposure to modern cloud, infrastructure and cybersecurity technologies
• A highly visible position where security and governance are critical business priorities

Ideal Background

This role would suit an IT Manager, Infrastructure Manager, IT Operations Manager, Systems Manager or Senior Infrastructure Engineer who has direct ownership of ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus and is looking for an opportunity to lead IT, security and compliance within a fast-growing, technology-driven organisation.