Interim IT Manager

Job Title: Interim IT Manager Location: Huddersfield – 5 days per week Duration: 6 months Day Rate: £500 to £550 (Inside IR35) Role Overview: We are seeking an experienced, proactive and hands on technically Interim IT Manager to lead and support the IT function during a critical transitional period. This 6-month assignment will involve not only maintaining continuity of service but also conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current IT environment and leading the initial phases of remediation and improvement. You must be based within a commutable distance of Huddersfield to be considered for this contract. You will have a strong track record in team management, team building, and hands-on expertise in data management, IT security, and cloud infrastructure. They will work closely with senior stakeholders to stabilise operations, assess risk, and define and execute a clear action plan. Key Responsibilities: • Lead, manage, and support the IT team, including performance reviews, coaching, and capability development. • Foster a high-performing and collaborative team environment. • Conduct a full assessment of the current state of IT within the organisation, covering infrastructure, systems, processes, service levels, and staffing. • Identify and analyse key risks, including security vulnerabilities, system failures, technical debt, data protection concerns, and support gaps. • Quantify the size and nature of any backlog of work, including unresolved issues, maintenance tasks, and project delays. • Determine the capability and capacity required (people, skills, tools) to stabilise and improve the IT environment. • Prepare and commence execution of a prioritised action plan to reduce risk, address the backlog, and lay the foundation for future improvements. • Oversee day-to-day IT operations, ensuring performance, security, and user satisfaction. • Ensure data governance, protection, and compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., GDPR). • Lead IT security practices across systems, infrastructure, and user environments. • Act as the senior escalation point for IT incidents and service interruptions. • Collaborate with leadership to align IT operations and planning with wider business needs. • Support recruitment, onboarding, and knowledge transfer processes if applicable. Key Requirements: • Substantial experience in a senior IT leadership role, ideally as an IT Manager, Head of IT, or similar. • Strong, hands-on experience in IT team leadership, team building, and performance management. • Demonstrated ability to assess and diagnose IT environments, identify risk, and design and initiate recovery plans. • Deep knowledge of data management, including governance, integrity, and compliance (e.g., GDPR). • Proficiency in IT security, risk mitigation, and incident response best practices. • Hands-on experience with cloud platforms. • Comfortable managing day-to-day IT services while planning and initiating strategic change. • Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. • Available to start immediately and commit for the full 6-month term. • Experience managing hybrid or distributed teams.