At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations across three sites and manage daily tech challenges.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative IT solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Great chance to work independently and develop your career.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful IT projects and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in IT management with strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a hands-on, motivated IT Manager who will take full ownership of IT operations and support in our three sites (Llangadog, Pencader, Longridge). This is a broad and impactful role in which you will enjoy broad autonomy, being the sole responsible person for local IT. You will manage daily IT operations, coordinate with external IT and OT partners, and contribute to both local and group-wide initiatives. This role requires a strong technical background, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to bridge IT and OT environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead infrastructure lifecycle projects
- Ensure system availability, performance, and security for business operations.
- Implement and monitor cybersecurity measures in alignment with group standards.
- Oversee data backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
- Administer user accounts, permissions, and licensing.
- Create and maintain a proper network topology, with secure segmentation and segregation.
Vendor & Partner Management
- Act as the primary point of contact for external IT service providers.
- Coordinate service contracts, monitor SLA performance, and escalate issues when necessary.
- Support project implementation with both local and global IT/OT stakeholders.
Governance & Reporting
- Report directly to the local CFO for site-level activities and budgets.
- Align with the Group IT Manager on global initiatives, standards, and strategy.
- Ensure local compliance with global IT policies.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5 years of experience in IT system engineering, IT administration, or IT management.
Technical Skills
- Strong hands-on knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, virtualization (Hyper-V/VMware).
- Solid networking expertise: LAN, WAN, VPN, Wi-Fi, firewalls, switches, routing.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices in at least one context (IT and/or OT).
- Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
- Comfortable and experienced with renewing and refreshing IT hardware in a live environment.
- Understanding of OT environments (PLC, MES, SCADA, shop floor systems) is a strong plus.
Soft Skills
- Strong ownership mentality – able to work independently as the sole IT resource on site.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Effective communicator, capable of working with production teams, management, and global IT.
- Flexibility and willingness to "roll up the sleeves" to get the job done.
- Fluent in English.
- Willing to travel to Pencader and Longridge if needed.
IT Manager employer: United Petfood Group
United Petfood Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values reliability and quality in pet food production. Employees benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive training for machinery operation, and the chance to be part of a dynamic team committed to excellence. Located in Pencader, this role provides a unique opportunity to work flexible weekend shifts while contributing to a meaningful industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT 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 United Petfood Group 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 United Petfood Group 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 United Petfood Group!
✨Direct Apply to United Petfood Group
Let's not forget to apply directly through the United Petfood Group 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 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 United Petfood Group.
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 United Petfood Group. 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 United Petfood Group
✨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.
