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- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and ensure Sponge's infrastructure is secure and stable.
- Company: Sponge delivers innovative digital learning solutions globally with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, remote options, and 25 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on tech innovation and proactive security in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT management, cybersecurity, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 77000 £ per year.
As the IT Manager, you’ll be responsible for keeping Sponge\’s IT infrastructure secure, stable and ready for what’s next.
Sponge is a team of 120+ people across the UK, Germany, Europe and as far reaching as Canada. We work with global clients to deliver digital learning solutions, and strong IT underpins everything we do.
Reporting to the Director of Business Operations, you’ll define and lead our IT strategy. We’re a digital first business, therefore there is a strong focus on ensuring proactive security measures are in place, ensuring robust business continuity planning, and making sure we’re compliant with necessary standards, both now and for the future.
Day to day, you’ll be hands-on working with one direct report in your team. Autonomously, you’ll lead the direction and priorities of the IT function, working closely with other teams across the business, providing technical support, input and expertise where required.
Job Description
As the IT Manager, you’ll be responsible for keeping Sponge\’s IT infrastructure secure, stable and ready for what’s next.
Sponge is a team of 120+ people across the UK, Germany, Europe and as far reaching as Canada. We work with global clients to deliver digital learning solutions, and strong IT underpins everything we do.
Reporting to the Director of Business Operations, you’ll define and lead our IT strategy. We’re a digital first business, therefore there is a strong focus on ensuring proactive security measures are in place, ensuring robust business continuity planning, and making sure we’re compliant with necessary standards, both now and for the future.
Day to day, you’ll be hands-on working with one direct report in your team. Autonomously, you’ll lead the direction and priorities of the IT function, working closely with other teams across the business, providing technical support, input and expertise where required.
Job Requirements
- Extensive experience in IT network administration, device management, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud-based infrastructure.
- Experience with IT governance, disaster recovery planning, business continuity and backup management.
- Ability to assess and mitigate IT security risks in a fast-paced digital environment.
- Strong knowledge of security frameworks, risk management, and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials).
- Experience with Microsoft Intune to manage both Windows and Apple devices.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to network with colleagues and suppliers.
- Knowledge and experience in the following areas would be highly desirable: Meraki, EntraID, Conditional Access, Active Directory, VMWare, Linux Server administration, AppCheck, Dynamics365 user administration & licencing.
- Desirable accreditations: Microsoft Certified, CCNA, Relevant Degree.
Job Responsibilities
- Responsible for overseeing the IT support desk, responding to day-to-day end user support requests.
- Management of hardware/software/warranty and IT strategy for all Group IT resources.
- Ensure the security and resilience of the company’s IT network and infrastructure.
- Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and intellectual property, working closely with our DevOps/Tech functions and our Head of Risk and Compliance.
- Define, monitor and manage the IT budget, being proactive on identifying potential efficiencies (e.g., through new tech, license management or supplier selection).
- Manage IT projects, ensuring on-time delivery, quality assurance, and budget adherence
- Monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats, ensuring minimal business disruption
- Regularly assess and update security policies, aligning with industry best practices
- Ongoing management of penetration testing platform, patching, and vulnerability scanning.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure our IT operations align with business needs
- Stay up to date with industry best practices and compliance topics related to IT security
- Line management of one remote team member.
Job Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Our priority is to find the right candidate
- Flexible working hour
- Remote and hybrid working options available
- Pension Scheme
- Income Protection and Life Assurance
- 25 Days Holiday (Excluding Bank Holidays
- Birthday Off
- Healthcare Cash Plan
Be Yourself with Us: At Sponge, we value diversity. We hire talented individuals from various backgrounds because it strengthens our team. We are committed to increasing diversity within our teams and management positions and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves together.
What’s Next?: If this role aligns with your skills and aspirations, simply hit apply, and we will be in touch regarding the next steps.
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IT Manager employer: Sponge
Contact Detail:
Sponge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sponge's IT infrastructure and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft Intune and cybersecurity frameworks. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their IT strategy during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Sponge on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with IT governance and disaster recovery planning in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these strategies in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in IT security and compliance regulations. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a secure IT environment at Sponge.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in IT network administration, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud-based infrastructure. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage IT security risks and compliance with regulations like GDPR and ISO 27001.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for IT management and how your skills align with Sponge's needs. Mention your experience with Microsoft Intune and any relevant accreditations, and explain how you can contribute to the company's IT strategy and security measures.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues and suppliers in previous positions. This will demonstrate your ability to work closely with other teams across the business.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As the role involves line management of a remote team member, be sure to include any leadership experience you have. Discuss how you've managed IT projects, ensured on-time delivery, and maintained quality assurance in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sponge
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in IT network administration, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud-based infrastructure. Highlight specific projects or challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Company’s IT Strategy
Research Sponge's current IT infrastructure and any recent developments in their technology stack. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their operations and how you can contribute to their IT strategy will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world IT challenges, such as managing cybersecurity threats or implementing business continuity plans. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these scenarios to convey your leadership capabilities.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaborating with various teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated technical information to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed.
