At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT infrastructure strategy and support across all Wasabi sites.
- Company: Join Wasabi, a top Asian food brand with 40+ restaurants in the UK and US.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, free meals, discounts, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team driving growth and tech improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT service management and supplier management is essential.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape IT strategy in a rapidly expanding company.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Founded in 2003, Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation. Wasabi now has 40 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York. In 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively in Sainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, setting new standards for quality and innovation.
Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite. We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion.
As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for an IT Infrastructure and Services Manager to join our IT Team based in Park Royal.
The Role
In this role you will lead the IT infrastructure strategy and IT service provision across all Wasabi sites, including restaurants, manufacturing and offices, ensuring system stability and optimisation. You head up a team providing internal IT Support and take ownership of the Helpdesk function and key infrastructure improvement programs. You will be accountable for keeping Wasabi’s IT solutions secure, functional and appropriate to their business use. You will work with external suppliers to find hardware & software solutions, providing options and business cases to the IT Director and Leadership team as required. You will also be required to drive the performance of those suppliers.
This is a key role that offers significant input into the IT strategy and overall Wasabi development plans and will be frequently called upon to advise and deliver those plans as the business and IT Team grows. You must be able to clearly articulate and recommend courses of action that will materially impact the success of the company. You must have excellent knowledge of IT infrastructure, service management, enterprise solutions as well as great communication skills. You will work with the organisation’s leadership and IT professionals throughout IT programs and projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, recommend and implement IT infrastructure solutions to the Wasabi Leadership Team
- Inform stakeholders about any issues with the current and proposed technical solutions
- Provide updates to stakeholders on improvements progress, costs and budgets
- Have significant input into business change, implementation, and expansion plans
- Managing key suppliers providing services to the IT infrastructure
- Periodically meet with business areas to determine future IT infrastructure requirements
- Technical lead in IT infrastructure projects and programs
- Providing specialist advice, management and delivery where required
- Continually research current and emerging technologies, propose value add improvements
- Proposing how IT can support growth plans and correct business problems
- Ensure Wasabi IT incorporates appropriate security standards in all IT infrastructure
- Day to day support and resolution of all IT technical infrastructure issues
- Proposing solutions and growth plans for the IT infrastructure with associated costs to support the ongoing and future business needs
- Producing periodic SLA performance statistics for the IT infrastructure systems and support team
- Work with the IT Director on various aspects of IT Management, including cost control & budget management, supplier selection and performance, product selection & cost, monthly financial reviews of the IT P&L, managing of IT Support team
- Ensuring a high level of IT service to the business
- Identifying the need, proposing and organising training where necessary
- Proactively liaise with peers from all other business areas on IT infrastructure and or any other relevant business-related project requires input from the IT Infrastructure Manager
- Provide guidance and feedback across Wasabi and the IT team
- Provide supervision and guidance to IT team
- Work with the IT Director and IT Management Team on IT strategy, recruitment and team performance management, IT trends and new technology awareness, software supplier selection
Our Requirements
Essential to this role will be the ability to demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in IT Service Management / Infrastructure Support in a multi-site environment ideally in retail, hospitality or leisure
- Ability to run productivity software across the company
- Ability to run infrastructure that supports all trading critical and business intelligence systems
- Ability to run, test and constantly improve cyber security
- Problem solving skills
- Excellent oral & written presentation skills
- Customer focused
- Extensive supplier management experience including budget and performance management
Experience of:
- Leading an IT Support function
- IT Solutions across a variety of sites and functions
- Working in a fast-paced entrepreneurial business
- Working in cross functional groups/projects to deliver business related projects
- Leading IT Improvement Programs
Beneficial Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science
- Hands-on experience gained in a retail hospitality environment
- Hands-on experience gained in a manufacturing environment (most usefully in food)
- Hands-on experience gained in warehousing, purchasing, distribution & supply chain
In Return We Provide:
- A great working environment
- Pension scheme
- Target Bonus
- Refer A Friend Scheme
- Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
- 50% discount in our Branches
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Hybrid working model
- Long Service Awards
- Life Assurance
- Free on-site parking
- A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox
- The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company
Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you, please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you.
COME ROLL WITH US
IT Infrastructure and Services Manager employer: Wasabi Sushi & Bento
Contact Detail:
Wasabi Sushi & Bento Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Infrastructure and Services Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wasabi's IT infrastructure and services. Understanding their current systems and any recent changes will help you speak knowledgeably during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and hospitality sectors, especially those who have experience in IT management. This can provide you with insights into industry trends and potentially valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed IT infrastructure projects in the past. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the fast-paced environment at Wasabi.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on emerging technologies relevant to IT infrastructure and service management. Being able to suggest innovative solutions during your interview can set you apart from other candidates and show your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Infrastructure and Services Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT Service Management and Infrastructure Support, especially in multi-site environments. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for IT and how it can support Wasabi's growth plans. Mention specific examples of past achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to articulate complex IT concepts clearly. Use concise language and structure your writing well.
Highlight Supplier Management Experience: Given the importance of supplier management in this role, include any relevant experience you have in managing suppliers, budgets, and performance. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with external partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wasabi Sushi & Bento
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Wasabi's culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to quality and innovation in Asian cuisine. This will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in IT Service Management and Infrastructure Support. Highlight specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage multi-site environments effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-world IT challenges. Think of scenarios where you've successfully implemented IT solutions or improved service delivery, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be concise and confident when discussing your ideas on IT strategy and how it can support Wasabi's growth plans.