Hands-on IT Infrastructure Manager | Hybrid (Reading)

Free-Work UK; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Free-Work UK in Reading is seeking an IT Manager to oversee the infrastructure and technology for a financial services client. The successful candidate must be hands-on and bring 7–10 years of proven experience.

You will manage the MSP relationship, oversee software licensing and security monitoring, coordinate upgrades and system changes, and support audits and business continuity. This is a hybrid role requiring 2–3 days in the Reading office, with a salary around £60K–£80K.

Qualifications

• Hands-on IT manager with 7–10 years of experience.
• Experience managing MSP relationships and SLAs.
• Knowledge of security monitoring and accreditation processes.
• Experience coordinating software upgrades and system changes.
• Familiarity with software licensing and audits.
• Ability to drive change and IT integration projects.
• Experience with business continuity planning and disaster recovery.
• Experience supporting joiners/leavers and access control.
• Proven track record in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage MSP performance, SLAs, and charges.
• Oversee software upgrades and introduction of new systems.
• Handle non-standard IT requests and technology changes.
• Provide guidance on acquisitions and integration of people and systems.
• Monitor security outputs from SOC and manage security events.
• Manage software licensing (Microsoft, Mimecast, etc.).
• Lead change management approvals for major IT changes.
• Support senior management with IT issues and integrations.
• Respond to technological changes and AI-based deployments.
• Coordinate security accreditation efforts (Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001).
• Assist with IT audits (AAF and others).
• Manage joiner/leaver processes and access provisioning.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Skills

MSP management

SLA compliance

Security monitoring

System upgrades

Licensing management

Change management

Audits support

Business continuity

Joiner/leaver

Tools

Microsoft 365

Mimecast

Timekeeping system

Billing system

Job description

Free-Work UK in Reading is seeking an IT Manager to oversee the infrastructure and technology for a financial services client. The successful candidate must be hands-on and bring 7–10 years of proven experience.

You will manage the MSP relationship, oversee software licensing and security monitoring, coordinate upgrades and system changes, and support audits and business continuity. This is a hybrid role requiring 2–3 days in the Reading office, with a salary around £60K–£80K.