IT ManagerLocation: Guildford (Hybrid Working Available)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an innovative and forward-thinking IT Manager to lead the IT function and ensure the seamless delivery of IT services across the business. This role will oversee end-to-end IT service delivery, supporting engineering teams and wider business operations across on-premise and cloud environments.
You will take ownership of the IT strategy and roadmap, manage budgets, lead a high-performing team, and ensure systems remain secure, scalable and aligned with current and emerging technologies.
Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership*Lead and manage the IT department, including recruitment, performance management, development, mentoring and wellbeing.
*Build a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and customer-focused service delivery.
*Ensure appropriate resourcing, capability and planning to deliver IT services across engineering, production and wider business functions.
*Proactively manage workload planning and resolve resource constraints or shifting priorities.
IT Service Management*Develop and maintain IT strategy and roadmaps aligned with business goals.
*Manage budgets, ensuring strong financial control and reporting.
*Act as a senior technology advisor, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
*Ensure the availability, performance, reliability, security and scalability of IT systems, networks and applications across hybrid infrastructure.
*Maintain compliance with key standards and regulations including GDPR, ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.
*Ensure all services and applications are licensed, maintained and kept up to date.
*Deliver high-quality IT support and service delivery aligned to ITIL best practice.
Out of Hours Support*Coordinate effective communication and resolution of issues during out-of-hours support and service calls.
Stakeholder Management*Work closely with internal stakeholders across engineering, projects, production and sales to align IT priorities.
*Conduct regular service reviews and provide reporting ahead of key meetings, demonstrating performance against KPIs, SLAs and contractual obligations.
Risk & Incident Management*Develop and maintain risk management strategies to minimise service disruption.
*Lead incident response and ensure timely resolution, minimal business impact and clear communication.
*Ensure outages and performance issues are handled effectively within agreed service levels.
Continuous Improvement & Projects*Identify opportunities to improve service delivery processes, tools and operational efficiency.
*Drive improvements through best practice and emerging technologies.
*Oversee IT projects from initiation through to delivery.
Bids, Proposals & Contract Management*Provide technical and commercial input into proposals for new missions.
*Support customer contract negotiations and extension proposals.
*Ensure services meet contractual and security obligations.
*Manage supplier relationships including MSPs and third-party vendors, negotiating service levels where required.
Required Experience*Proven experience working in an IT Manager position.
*Strong experience managing budgets, vendors and IT projects.
*Experience supporting and maintaining hybrid IT environments (on-premise and cloud).
Qualifications / Skills*Degree in Computing / Information Security (or equivalent experience).
*ITIL, CISA or CISSP beneficial but not essential.
*Must be able to attain and maintain National Security Vetting (minimum SC level).
*Strong technical IT background with a strategic mindset.
*Proven leadership and people management experience.
*Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
*Highly organised with excellent project and time management skills.
*Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
*Customer-focused and able to manage technical relationships confidently.
*Results-driven, adaptable and comfortable working in fast-paced environments.
*Ability to view technology as a business enabler, not a blocker.