Group IT Service Manager

Argento; Belfast; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-channel retailer is seeking an experienced IT Manager to oversee IT services across various sites. The role involves managing IT infrastructure, supporting end-user computing, and ensuring system security. The ideal candidate has a degree in Information Systems, extensive IT management experience, and strong problem-solving skills. A competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000 per annum is offered, alongside benefits such as a company vehicle and generous staff discounts.

Benefits

Company laptop and mobile

Use of company vehicle

On-site parking

Generous staff discount

Auto-enrolment pension scheme

Eye care and flu jab vouchers

Qualifications

• 5 years commercial experience with at least 2 years in a management position.
• In-depth understanding of IT hardware, software, and retail technologies.
• Experience managing distributed IT infrastructure in a retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the IT Service across all companies within the group.
• Ensure high-quality IT service and support to all sites.
• Conduct regular system audits and health checks.

Skills

IT hardware and software understanding

Experience with Office 365

Networking knowledge

Management experience

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

University qualification in Information Systems or Technology

Tools

Microsoft SQL Server

EPOS systems

Active Directory

Cloud-based systems

Job description

ARGENTO ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

About the Company and the Role

Belfast based multi-channel retailer Argento was founded in 1997 and has now grown to more than 25 stores throughout the UK and Ireland. We are currently seeking an experienced IT Manager to join the busy Head Office Team working for the Argento Group (includes Argento retail, Angus Properties and Let’s Go Hydro).

Job Title: Group IT Service Manager

Contract: Full Time permanent

Location: Argento Head Office, Belfast BT4 (office based and travel will be required to our various sites)

Hours of work: Monday – Friday, 0800 – 1630, 40 hours per week, with on call every other weekend (plus additional on-call hours to meet operational need over peak trading periods, including December)

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience

Benefits:

• Company laptop and mobile
• Use of company vehicle
• On-site parking
• Generous staff discount (after 3-month service of 6-month probation)
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Eye care vouchers & Flu jab vouchers
• Regular staff events

Job Description

Working in a fast-paced commercial environment, this is a great opportunity for a motivated and professional IT Manager with a hands-on approach, providing IT services support across our multi-site company, including our Head Offices, 20+ retail branches across the UK and Ireland, the Let’s Go Hydro resort and other projects within the Group. You will ensure that the IT service processes are well defined, implemented and operated across the Group. You will be responsible for managing the day to day running of the company’s Service Desk and will be the main point of contact for senior escalation.

Travel will be required as well as flexibility due to working across both the Retail and Hospitality & Leisure Sector.

Responsibilities

• Management of the IT Service across all companies within the group
• Maintenance and administration of the IT infrastructure including server and network configuration, security, accessibility, connectivity, and backup
• Management and maintenance of critical business systems related to EPOS and customer management
• Manage the IT Services team for the deployment and support of all end-user computing equipment including desktop PCs, laptops, printers, and mobile devices
• Manage the IT service desk efficiently, ensuring resolution of incidents and service requests in compliance with agreed SLAs
• Delivery of a high-quality IT Service and support to all sites
• Provide 2nd and 3rd line technical support and project support
• Ensure security of the company networks and data by deploying appropriate controls and systems
• Ensure all systems are kept up to date by following industry standard patching and updating procedures
• Developing and implementing IT policy, procedure, documentation, and best practice guides
• Conduct regular system audits and health checks
• Regular reporting to Senior Management on IT systems status
• Overseeing and determining timescales for major IT projects including change management, system updates, upgrades, migrations, and outages
• Contract and Supplier management
• Negotiating contracts and reporting on planned IT expenditure
• Providing direction for IT Services team, identifying opportunities for training and skills advancement
• Flexibility is required to work out of hours or at weekends to deal with IT emergencies and ensure continuity of IT service including during peak periods and bank holidays

Essential Criteria

• A recognised university qualification, preferably degree or above, in Information Systems and/or Technology.
• 5 years commercial experience with at least 2 years in a leadership or management position within a large organisation.
• Can demonstrate an in-depth understanding of IT hardware, software, and retail technologies and ability and experience setting it up (EPOS, Ecommerce, SAGE, CCTV and Audio Systems etc)
• Can demonstrate an understanding and competency in Office 365 administration, as a user, but also admin setup etc
• Understanding of networking (DNS / routing / VPN)
• Can demonstrate experience of managing an IT support engineer / 1st/2nd line support
• Experience of managing a distributed IT Infrastructure within a busy retail environment
• Experience of network, server and storage configuration and management
• Experience in Microsoft Operating systems, Windows 10, Windows 11, Server 2008-2019, Active Directory and Microsoft 365/Azure Solutions, SQL
• Experience of managing telephony systems, IP telephony, cloud-based systems, and mobile management
• Experience of data backup systems
• Strong planning and organisational skills and time management, ability to meet deadlines and respond positively to pressure
• Experience managing budgets and forecasting expenditure
• Experience of contract management and supplier relationship management
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, providing updates on service desk performance, key issues, and initiatives.
• Approachable, flexible and a self-starter, capable of working on their own initiative
• Ability to be hands on, preparing for IT set up in store refits, for example, wiring plugs, pulling through cables, putting up shelves etc
• Excellent communication with the ability to provide step-by-step technical help, both written and verbal in everyday language providing professional and customer focused service
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours when necessary
• Willing and able to travel including overnights and weekends to meet operational need
• Excellent trouble-shooting and good problem management skills
• Motivated, pro-active, enthusiastic and friendly disposition
• Hold a current, full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Right to Work in the UK

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in working with Microsoft SQL Server reporting services
• Experience with FortiGate firewalls and Ubiquiti
• Experience with storage solutions, SAN, NAS, Cloud etc
• Experience with Dell Servers, Hyper-V, MDM, Retail Systems / ERP

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter, detailing how you meet the criteria to [e-mail] for consideration.