At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT across multiple sites, managing infrastructure, systems, and cyber security.
- Company: Established automotive retail group with a rich 60-year history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct influence on technology decisions.
- Why this job: Gain ownership of technology in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT management, strong knowledge of Microsoft 365, and hands-on technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
YourCode Recruitment is working with a long-established automotive retail group to recruit an experienced Group IT Manager to take ownership of technology across its multi-site operation. With a history spanning around 60 years, the business operates a network of main dealer locations across Kent and the surrounding area, supporting approximately 150 users. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IT Manager, Infrastructure Manager or Senior IT Operations professional who wants genuine ownership rather than becoming another layer within a large corporate IT department.
The Role
Based primarily from the Dartford operation, you will oversee the day-to-day performance and continued development of the company's IT environment across multiple locations. Your responsibilities will include:
- Taking overall ownership of IT infrastructure, systems and technology across the Group
- Managing networks, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, telephony and communications
- Administering Microsoft environments including Microsoft 365 and Active Directory / Entra ID
- Managing user accounts, permissions, security, directories, backups and business continuity
- Overseeing servers, PCs, laptops, mobile devices, printers and wider IT assets
- Maintaining appropriate cyber-security standards, endpoint protection, patching and access controls
- Taking ownership of significant IT incidents and coordinating a quick resolution
- Managing relationships with external IT, telecoms, software, cyber-security and hardware suppliers
- Managing IT hardware, software and communications procurement and lifecycle
- Maintaining IT asset registers, licence registers and systems documentation
- Reviewing existing technology and identifying opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency and cost
- Supporting managers with reporting, workflows and technology improvements
- Leading technology projects including migrations, infrastructure upgrades, dealership changes and new site requirements
- Supporting IT budgeting, supplier contracts and technology expenditure
- Advising senior management on IT risk, investment and future requirements
- Providing hands-on technical support across Group locations when required
The business uses Keyloop within its dealership environment, so previous experience with Keyloop, Autoline, Drive or another automotive Dealer Management System would be particularly valuable.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who has already taken meaningful responsibility for IT within a commercial organisation and is comfortable combining strategic decision-making with hands-on technical work. Ideally, you will have:
- Strong experience across IT operations, infrastructure, systems administration or IT management
- Previous responsibility for a multi-site IT environment
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Active Directory / Entra ID
- Practical networking, Wi-Fi, internet connectivity and telephony knowledge
- Good understanding of cyber security, endpoint management, backups and disaster recovery
- Experience managing IT assets, software licensing and technology suppliers
- Strong troubleshooting and incident-management skills
- Experience delivering IT infrastructure, migration or implementation projects
- Commercial awareness around IT suppliers, contracts and expenditure
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work directly with senior management and non-technical users
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites
Automotive Experience
Previous automotive retail or motor dealership IT experience would be a significant advantage, particularly experience with:
- Keyloop, Autoline, Drive or similar Dealer Management Systems
- Automotive manufacturer portals and dealership technology
- Multi-site dealership IT infrastructure
However, automotive experience is not essential. Candidates coming from other multi-site environments such as retail, hospitality or other operational businesses will also be considered where they can demonstrate strong technical ownership and the ability to quickly understand new business systems.
Why Apply?
This isn't a traditional corporate IT Manager position where responsibility is divided across multiple teams. You will have genuine visibility across the organisation and the autonomy to influence how technology, infrastructure and suppliers are used across an established business.
The package includes:
- £60,000–£70,000 salary depending on experience
- Company car
- Private medical insurance
- Company pension
- Laptop and mobile phone
- 20 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Monday–Friday working
- Training on existing automotive dealership and manufacturer systems
The interview process is refreshingly straightforward, with one face-to-face interview with the Director. If you're an experienced IT Manager, Group IT Manager, Infrastructure Manager or IT Operations Manager looking for a hands-on leadership position within a well-established multi-site business, we'd be interested in speaking with you.
Group IT Manager in Kent employer: YourCode
Join a leading international EdTech company that values innovation and employee growth, offering a fully remote working environment across the UK. With an attractive salary package and uncapped commission potential, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact in the higher education sector while collaborating with a dedicated team. The company fosters a culture of consultative selling and relationship building, ensuring you can thrive in your role as an Account Executive and advance your career in a supportive atmosphere.
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We think this is how you could land Group IT Manager in Kent
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We think you need these skills to ace Group IT Manager in Kent
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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 YourCode.
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How to prepare for a job interview at YourCode
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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.
