IT Infrastructure & Systems Manager in Chelmsford, Essex

The Group IT & Systems Manager will be responsible for overseeing the performance of our outsourced IT provider, maintaining and improving the company's IT network infrastructure, and supporting key business systems such as Microsoft 365 Business Central and Eque2 Housebuilding. This role involves implementing new IT solutions, optimising existing systems, managing supplier relationships, ensuring ISO 27001 compliance, enhancing reporting through Power BI, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive business efficiencies. Additionally, the role includes ad-hoc desktop support when required.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Systems Management: Install, configure, and maintain operating systems, servers, and applications. Ensure system performance, availability, and security.
• Network Administration: Manage and monitor all installed systems and infrastructure. Maintain network components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Security: Implement and manage security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. Monitor systems for potential vulnerabilities and perform regular security audits.
• Technical Support: Provide Level 1, 2 and 3 support for IT issues. Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network problems in a timely manner.
• Backup & Recovery: Implement and manage backup solutions. Ensure data integrity and availability through regular backups and recovery drills.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented systems and procedures. Develop user guides and training materials.
• Project Management: Lead and participate in IT projects, ensuring timely completion and alignment with business objectives.
• Compliance: Ensure systems comply with organisational policies, standards, and regulatory requirements such as ISO 27001.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance system performance and user experience.
• Supplier Management: Maintain relationships with IT suppliers and outsourced service providers, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.

Skills / Experience Required:

• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in IT systems management, network administration, or a related role. Experience managing outsourced IT providers and vendor relationships.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Windows operating systems. Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V). Strong knowledge of networking protocols and services (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN). Experience with cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure) is a plus. Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and tools.
• Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to identify and implement process improvements and automation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of hands-on IT work, strategic IT management, and driving business efficiencies through technology, reporting, and AI while ensuring high security and compliance standards. This is a role with lots of opportunity and autonomy with the successful candidate working closely with senior leadership and being responsible for shaping the strategy and technical architecture.

If you are a talented and experienced IT Group Manager or Senior Infrastructure Team Lead looking to make the step up, please send a copy of your CV directly to the advert for immediate consideration.