IT System & Application Manager in Blackburn

Science In Sport Group is a world leader in sports and performance nutrition. We have two highly regarded brands; SiS and PhD Nutrition, which provide optimal performance nutritional solutions for professional athletes, sports and fitness enthusiasts. The two brands sell through digital platforms, third-party online marketplaces, as well as extensive domestic and international retail distribution.

The IT System & Application Manager is responsible for the stable, secure and effective running of day-to-day IT services across the business. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on technology operations, IT service management, infrastructure reliability, user support, supplier performance, cyber hygiene and operational IT controls.

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum

Working Hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:30

Location: Blackburn

Benefits:

• On-site gym
• Cycle to work scheme
• Product discount
• Birthday day off
• Pension scheme, employer contribution at 4%

Your 4 most important responsibilities:

• Own the day-to-day running of IT services across users, devices, networks, infrastructure, applications, access, support queues, site and supply chain technology.
• Lead the IT service management rhythm, including incidents, service requests, problem management, change control, escalations, SLA performance, ticket ageing, root cause analysis, user communication and service reporting.
• Maintain the operational control of Microsoft 365, identity and access, endpoint management, backups, patching, antivirus/EDR, asset and licence records, disaster recovery and business continuity processes.
• Manage the IT operations team (2 direct reports) and third-party support partners, ensuring clear ownership, strong communication, cost control, supplier performance, contract & budgetary discipline.

Accountability – what you are responsible for delivering:

• Run reliable business as usual IT services and ensure operational issues are visible, prioritised, owned and resolved.
• Ensure high availability and rapid incident response for business critical operational systems.
• Own the IT service desk operating model, including ticket triage, assignment, escalation, SLA discipline and communication with users.
• Lead incident management, including major incident coordination, business updates, post incident reviews and repeat issue prevention.
• Establish and maintain ITSM processes for incident, request, problem, change, knowledge and service reporting.
• Maintain joiner, mover and leaver processes, access reviews, device controls and accurate asset and license records.
• Oversee the maintenance, monitoring and improvement of infrastructure, networks, endpoints, core applications and third-party support arrangements.
• Own operational documentation, standard operating procedures, knowledge articles and clear support processes.
• Manage internal IT operations resources and third-party technology providers.
• Support cyber security, GDPR and data protection controls through practical IT processes.
• Provide hands-on technical support where needed.
• Produce a regular IT service dashboard for the Director of Technology.
• Support the Director of Technology with transformation and technology roadmap activity.

Capability - the skills and behaviours required to do this job well:

• A hands-on IT operations and service management leader.
• Strong understanding of ITSM and ITIL-aligned practices.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing workflows.
• Practical technical knowledge across Microsoft 365, identity and access, endpoint management, networks, infrastructure, backups, cyber controls and business systems support.
• Strong communicator who can explain issues clearly.
• A calm, structured problem-solver.
• A strong people leader who can set expectations and manage outputs.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to manage suppliers, contracts, licences, budgets and technology spend.
• Improvement mindset, with the ability to reduce repeat issues and simplify processes.

Performance – how you will know you are doing a great job:

• Business as usual IT services are stable, secure and visibly managed.
• Service desk performance improves across various metrics.
• Major incidents are managed calmly and communicated clearly.
• Change activity is controlled and documented.
• Security hygiene improves through various compliance measures.
• Asset, licence, supplier and support documentation is accurate and current.
• Third-party support partners are held to clear service expectations.
• The IT operations team has clear ownership and stronger routines.
• The Director of IT has clear visibility of service performance and operational risk.

Attributes – experience and mindset that will enable you to do well in this role:

• Experience managing hands-on IT operations in a fast-moving business environment.
• Experience improving service desk discipline and ITSM processes.
• Comfortable being both a manager and a doer.
• Credible with frontline colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Proven experience managing IT operations within a relevant environment.
• Strong security, compliance and data protection mindset.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and service quality.
• Interest in sport and performance is valuable.
• High ownership and a calm approach to problem solving.

Science in Sport Group is an equal opportunity employer; we value diversity and strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace.