IT Manager

IT Manager

Bridgwater, Somerset

£60,000 + Bonus & Benefits

This exciting, high growth leading self-storage operator are looking to hire an experienced, passionate IT Manager. They offer secure, flexible, convenient storage solutions to individuals and businesses, helping them store their belongings and manage their space effectively.

• The company has experienced strong growth, opening 6 new sites since 2020 and developing a fully digitalized and remote onboarding process. Today they have 30 sites with more planned.
• Investment in tech means their operating model is unique in the UK market and allows for fast scalability and operational efficiencies as well as attractive customer proposition.
• The business was acquired in June 2023 with a strong focus on growth in the UK as well as having a strong presence across Europe now.

The IT Manager will lead the IT team, oversee the company’s IT infrastructure, and drive technological initiatives to support business growth. This role involves managing a small, dynamic team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional IT support, and continuously improving operational performance and efficiencies. The IT Manager will collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement IT strategies that align with the company’s objectives, focusing on reliability, security, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. IT Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Set clear goals, monitor performance, and provide ongoing feedback and support to team members.
• Identify skills gaps within the team and implement upskilling and training programmes.
• Create and maintain a succession plan to ensure the team’s growth and resilience.

2. Strategic IT Planning and Implementation

• Develop and execute the company’s IT strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Identify and implement technology solutions to improve operational performance and drive efficiencies.
• Plan and execute IT projects, including system upgrades, software implementation, and infrastructure improvements.

3. IT Support and Service Delivery

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality IT support across the business, acting as an escalation point for complex issues.
• Regularly review and optimise IT support processes to enhance user satisfaction and operational efficiency, including new joiners and leavers policies alongside, other user guides and standards.

4. IT Infrastructure and System Management

• Oversee the maintenance, configuration, and security of the company’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and software.
• Manage the website and app performance, continually adapting and improving.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure maximum uptime and reliability.
• Lead initiatives to modernise IT infrastructure, incorporating cloud technologies and automation where appropriate.

5. Cybersecurity and Risk Management

• Develop and enforce IT security policies and protocols to protect the business from cyber threats.
• Conduct regular security audits, identify vulnerabilities, and implement proactive solutions.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and industry standards.

6. Operational Performance and Efficiency Improvements

• Collaborate with other departments to identify opportunities for technology-driven operational improvements.
• Support business functions such as finance, operations, and marketing with tailored IT solutions to enhance performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the IT department to optimise workflows and reduce costs.

7. Vendor and Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with external IT vendors, ensuring services are delivered in line with contracts and SLAs.
• Driving performance of our IT partners, ensuring best practices adopted into UKS
• Evaluate new technologies and vendor proposals to ensure they align with the company’s strategic goals.
• Communicate IT initiatives, performance metrics, and project progress to senior leadership and stakeholders.

8. Innovation and Future Readiness

• Stay updated on emerging technologies and trends to recommend advancements that could benefit the business.
• Lead the exploration and adoption of innovative solutions, such as AI, automation, and data analytics tools, to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills and Qualifications

• Leadership and Team Management: Proven experience leading and developing an IT team in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, network protocols, server management, and cybersecurity. Previous experience of working with an MSP (Managed Service Provider) preferable
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in developing and implementing IT strategies that align with business objectives.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and deliver IT projects on time and within budget.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities, with a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as ITIL, CompTIA, MCSE, or CCNA are highly desirable.

Key Attributes

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for driving innovation and efficiency.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• A collaborative approach to working with internal teams and external vendors.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality.