IT Manager in Lancaster

Over the past 30 years, we’ve grown from humble beginnings with a single computer to a global technology company (ASX-300 listed company, JIN). Partnering with over 15,000 good causes worldwide and helping raise more than $260 million last financial year. Innovation isn’t just part of what we do; it’s who we are. We develop cutting‑edge solutions empowering our lottery and not‑for‑profit partners to raise funds for their vital causes. We believe in fostering an environment where talented people can innovate, grow, and have fun. At StarVale, we specialise in providing lottery management expertise to charities, not‑for‑profits, and hospices across the UK, helping them maximise their impact and fundraising potential.

This is a newly created role designed to elevate the quality, reliability and performance of our technology environment. As our IT Manager, you will play a pivotal part in setting direction, collaborating with other functions, reducing IT bottlenecks, enhancing service delivery, and safeguarding the integrity of our infrastructure. While not expected to write code daily, you should have a solid technical background and spend time researching new technologies and keeping up with industry trends. In this leadership role, you will oversee the full spectrum of IT operations - spanning team leadership, maintenance, planning, and the management of core systems. You will drive the development and continuous improvement of our network, servers, data communications and broader IT infrastructure. With a strong grasp of engineering best practices, you will proactively identify opportunities for optimisation and champion new solutions that move our services forward.

What your day to day will look like:

• Lead and Support the Team: Build a culture of continuous improvement. Align StarVale's IT initiatives with Group values and strategic goals. Coach and mentor team members to support their growth.
• Maintain Technical Excellence: Protect the security and integrity of data, networks and backup systems. Promote strong engineering practices. Guide technical decisions and introduce relevant new technologies.
• Plan and Deliver Outcomes: Work with stakeholders to clarify goals and expectations. Take ownership of deliverables, ensuring they meet business needs. Manage risks and keep projects on track.
• Manage and Develop the IT Function: Provide clear direction and day-to-day support to the IT team. Ensure the team has the right skills and resources. Support KPI achievement and resolve performance or team issues. Lead workforce planning, hiring and performance management.

What you will be able to bring to the role:

• Previous experience managing a multidisciplinary technical team.
• Tertiary qualification in software/network/computer engineering or equivalent experience role.
• Strong knowledge and experience in database management systems (ideally experience in medium-to-large scale database normalisation projects).
• Experience with managing detailed budgets and risk.
• Extensive experience in and knowledge of diverse technologies.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the aptitude to manage and negotiate outcomes in a cross-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated experience in large scale, complex projects that are well scoped, managed, communicated, on‑time and on budget.
• A professional approach that fosters positive and productive outcomes.

Desirable:

• Minimum 5 years experience in IT leadership.
• Experience of ISO27001, PCI controls and Remote Technical Standards advantageous.

Salary Banding: £65,000-£75,000 per annum

Our Ways of Working: At StarVale, we value balance and flexibility. You will be based in our office in Galgate, Lancaster. This role is a flexible hybrid with typically 3 days per week in-office. We prioritise results and collaborate to make sure everyone can contribute effectively, while enjoying flexibility and balance in how they work.

Why Join StarVale? At StarVale, our team thrives because we invest in our people. Here’s what you can expect from us; An annual regional bonus scheme that rewards your contributions, dependent on company performance. 25 days annual leave + public holidays + your birthday off. Access to our Employee Assistance Program, providing counselling and coaching. Reward & Recognition programme and length of service benefits. The freedom to work from almost anywhere in the world for up to 4 weeks a year.

Candidates who are offered a position will be required to complete pre-employment checks through our partner, Checkmate, which will include referencing, Right to Work in the UK and DBS checks. We are, unfortunately, unable to offer sponsorship opportunities. We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Gold Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.