At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise critical IT systems for a leading hospitality group.
- Company: Chestnut Group, a vibrant hospitality brand with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, discounts, and exciting team events.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values personal growth and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology in a dynamic hospitality environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT systems management and a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Chestnut is a hospitality group operating a portfolio of pubs and hotels across East Anglia. Behind every site sits a web of business-critical systems — EPOS, kitchen management, booking platforms, finance systems — and this role owns making sure they all run reliably, securely, and in step with where the business is heading.
The Systems & Technology Manager is responsible for the stability, performance, and strategic development of all technology across Chestnut. This role owns the full lifecycle of business-critical systems — from day-to-day support and troubleshooting to the evaluation and rollout of new platforms — ensuring technology consistently enables operational excellence across all sites.
What You'll Be Doing
- Systems Management & Support
- Own and oversee all core business systems, including EPOS, Kitchen Management Systems (KMS), booking platforms, and finance systems across the group.
- Act as a primary escalation point for system-related queries from all sites, ensuring fast and effective resolution.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, liaising with external suppliers where necessary to minimise operational disruption.
- Maintain continuous review of systems to ensure they remain fit for purpose, fully operational, and aligned with evolving business needs.
- Implementation & Optimisation
- Lead the planning and rollout of new systems, upgrades, and integrations across the group, with minimal disruption to trading.
- Develop and own the group's systems and technology strategy, aligned to the wider business plan.
- Identify and deliver process improvements and efficiency gains through smarter use of technology and automation.
- Maintain comprehensive system documentation, user guides, and standard operating procedures.
- Data & Reporting
- Take ownership of data integrity across all platforms, ensuring information is accurate, consistent, and accessible — raising awareness with relevant teams where it isn't.
- Support MI and reporting functions by ensuring underlying systems data is reliable and structured for analysis.
- Collaborate with finance and operations teams to develop data visibility that supports commercial decision-making.
- Training & Support
- Design and deliver systems training to pub and hotel managers and their teams, covering day-to-day use and best practice.
- Produce clear, accessible training materials and reference guides tailored to operational audiences.
- Support the onboarding of new sites and team members from a systems and technology perspective.
- Compliance & Security
- Ensure all systems comply with applicable data protection legislation, including GDPR.
- Maintain and enforce system security protocols, including user access controls and permissions management.
- Conduct regular reviews to identify and address compliance or security gaps.
- IT Infrastructure & Connectivity
- Ensure all sites have the connectivity, hardware, and operational infrastructure required to trade effectively.
- Conduct regular interval reviews of IT requirements across the estate, proactively addressing gaps or risks.
- Implement and manage cybersecurity policies and protocols in line with business needs and industry best practice.
- Supplier & Vendor Management
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with key technology and systems suppliers.
- Act as the principal liaison between the business and external technology providers.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed SLAs and manage escalations where service falls short.
- Stay informed on new products, platform updates, and innovations that could add value to the group.
Why Join Us?
- Team & Individual Incentives — rewards for your hard work, including staff days out and even trips abroad.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — free, confidential support for wellbeing, finances, and more.
- Team Parties & Social Events — regular events to connect, relax, and celebrate together.
- Work Anniversary Rewards — your commitment celebrated every year.
- Refer a Friend Scheme — earn a cash bonus when a friend you recommend joins us.
- Peter Graham Wine Discounts — exclusive pricing on carefully selected wines.
- Family & Friends Discounts — share special perks with those you care about.
- Team Discounts — up to 50% off your food bill at our venues.
- Overnight Stays from £75 — take a break at any Chestnut property at a reduced rate.
- High Street Discounts — savings on retail, dining, and travel.
- Tips + Wagestream Access — track your earnings in real time and access pay as you earn.
- Flexible Hours — support for a healthy work-life balance.
- Learning & Development — accredited training and continuous development opportunities.
IT & Systems Manager employer: Le Strange Arms
Le Strange Arms is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work environment where team members can thrive while delivering exceptional service. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to employee growth, staff enjoy flexible hours, incentives, and numerous opportunities for learning and development in the heart of the UK hospitality scene.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT & Systems Manager
✨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 Le Strange Arms 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 Le Strange Arms 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 Le Strange Arms!
✨Direct Apply to Le Strange Arms
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Le Strange Arms 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 & Systems Manager
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 Le Strange Arms.
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 Le Strange Arms. 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 Le Strange Arms
✨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.
