IT Manager

Location

London, UK (onsite)

Reporting Relationships

Director of Finance

Scope and general purpose of job

The IT Manager is responsible for providing consistent support in the technology area of the Hotel. They are also responsible for focusing on the technical stability and security of the business, maintaining all infrastructure, platforms, applications, and vendor partnerships, ensuring acceptable service levels and security controls, ensuring compliance with all local regulations, and safeguarding owners / investors assets as well as brand compliance and standards.

The IT Manager is responsible for coordinating the operation of the entire technology landscape and ecosystem, including network, infrastructure, platforms (cloud and on‑premises), endpoints, hardware, software and systems company‑wide (corporate & hotel). Within this role, the IT Manager is responsible for keeping the local team engaged and operating networks and all hardware/software in a safe and secure environment. They will also work closely with the Regional IT Director to ensure adherence to our company policies and procedures.

The IT Manager reports directly to the Regional Director of Finance with a dotted line to the VLE Regional IT Director.

Key accountabilities

• Efficiently manages IT vendors to optimize value, ensuring services align with contracts and expectations.
• Scrutinises invoices for accuracy, promptly addressing discrepancies, and engages vendors for resolution.
• Monitors vendor performance, taking swift action when services deviate from expectations.
• Assertively addresses and escalates issues, holding vendors accountable for agreed service levels.
• Cultivates transparent communication, negotiating contracts for optimal terms and value.
• Evaluates vendor performance against benchmarks, seeking cost‑saving opportunities.
• Maintains organized records for vendor interactions, invoices, and performance assessments.
• Consult with management to determine information requirements and to determine priorities and parameters of new projects; discuss system capacity and equipment acquisitions.
• Consult with systems hardware vendors and analysts to define equipment needs.
• Communicate potential risks related to cyber‑security, network security and industry specific compliance.
• Discuss system capacity and equipment acquisitions.
• Revise computer operating schedule to introduce new program testing and operating runs.
• Review reports of computer and peripheral equipment production, malfunction, and maintenance to ascertain costs and plan operating changes.
• Assist staff to diagnose and solve computer equipment problems.
• Participate in technical projects such as writing equipment specifications or developing computer programs for specified applications.
• Maintain and stay abreast of the latest computer programs/innovations (as applicable).
• Responsible for the hotel’s IT budget.

Hotel Operations

• Approach all encounters with guests and teammates in a friendly, service‑oriented manner.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Virgin Hotels’ standards, as required by scheduling which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Comply at all times with Virgin Hotels’ standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Consult with management to determine information requirements and to determine priorities and parameters of new projects.
• Attend meetings/training as required by management.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.

Key Skills Required

• Ability to convey information and ideas clearly.
• Ability to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
• Routinely meet deadlines and multitask.
• Effectiveness in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Ability to assimilate complex information, data, etc. from disparate sources and consider, adjust, or modify to meet the constraints of the particular need.
• Effectiveness in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Ability to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions.
• Ability to communicate well with several levels of colleagues, management, and ownership.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally within IT and the business.
• Flexibility to accommodate early morning or late evening or on‑call shift patterns.

Background must-have

• Current, legal and unrestricted ability to work in the UK.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in an MIS, systems, or related field.
• Hospitality and hotel experience is essential, Bar or Restaurant experience would be beneficial.
• Must be proficient and have working knowledge/experience in industry standard technology platform - Windows, VMWare/Hyper‑V/etc., Microsoft O365, EDR and SEIM, etc., Experience in company specified line of business applications and in the operation of all hotel‑specific systems (i.e. PMS, POS, ERP, etc. systems).

Equal Opportunity Statement

Virgin Hotels celebrates diversity and welcomes teammates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be an inclusive and Equal Opportunity Employer