Interim IT Manager

Jollyes The Pet People; Castle Point; Hybrid; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK pet retailer is seeking an interim IT Manager for a fixed-term contract to manage IT operations during paternity leave. The role offers a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three office days per week. The successful candidate will lead the IT Helpdesk team, manage IT services across retail stores, and ensure operational performance. Ideal applicants should have a strong IT background, be adept in Microsoft 365, and possess experience in retail IT implementations. Competitive salary of £50k p.a. pro rata is included, alongside numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Financial wellbeing package

Retail Trust membership

Colleague discounts

Online GP and mental health support

Qualifications

• Proven background in IT operations and team management.
• Experience with retail IT implementations including POS systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 for Teams and SharePoint administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT Helpdesk team during paternity leave.
• Ensure continuity and performance of IT operations.
• Coordinate new store IT set-ups and manage escalations.

Skills

IT operations management

Retail IT (POS, store networking)

Microsoft 365 administration

MDM tools

Networking (LAN/WAN)

SQL troubleshooting

Strong communication

Education

Microsoft 365 Admin certification

Azure Fundamentals certification

CompTIA Network+ certification

ITIL Foundation certification

Tools

ManageEngine MDM

Azure

Job description

IT Manager (interim 3m FTC), based Waltham Abbey (Hybrid role). Salary £50k p.a. (pro rata) + benefits. An exciting time to join an award‑winning business in a phase of growth, in an interim role to provide crucial cover for our IT provision covering a period of paternity leave from Jan‑March 2026.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £50k p.a. pro rata for a 3 month fixed term contract to cover paternity leave.
• iTrent financial wellbeing package, powered by Stream, enabling access to earnings before pay day plus lots more discounts and savings benefits.
• Retail Trust membership – counselling, wellbeing and financial support for the retail industry
• Colleague ‘Treats’ – numerous discounts on up to 800 high street retailers and online service providers from groceries to holidays and cinema trips
• Colleague ‘We Care’ wellbeing & medical support services – online GP, mental health support, get fit programme and much more (including ‘Tooth Fairy’ dentist on demand).
• 30% off Jollyes branded products (and 20% off other brands in store for your pet’s needs!) with discounts for our groomers and pet clinics too.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term contract for 3 months from Jan‑March 2026. A hybrid role involving a minimum of 3 x office days per week at our pet‑friendly support office in Waltham Abbey (Essex) and up to 2 x days per week from home (or other Jollyes location as preferred). 37.5 hours per week.

Role – Interim IT Manager

This role sits within our IT team and will ensure the continuity, stability, and effectiveness of all IT operations during the paternity leave period.

• Leading the IT Helpdesk team
• Maintaining reliable IT services across all retail stores and the head office
• Overseeing the logistical and system‑configuration elements of new store IT set‑ups
• Day‑to‑day management of Microsoft 365, user administration, device management via ManageEngine MDM, and first‑line oversight of Azure services and hosted servers in coordination with the MSP
• Support SQL‑based systems, resolve operational issues, and act as the key escalation point for IT while maintaining strong communication with stakeholders

A full job description is available on request, but to summarise your key responsibilities:

• Line management of the helpdesk team (3 colleagues)
• Operational performance: Helpdesk SLA compliance, escalations, prioritisation of tickets and workload
• Store & Retail support: successful resolution of store‑related incidents, minimal disruption to POS, store networks and in‑store devices
• New store openings: IT readiness delivered on time for each new store opening, coordinating with contractors and service providers, completing IT checklists (for devices, accounts, networking, services) ahead of opening
• Infrastructure & systems: Monitoring and timely escalations to the MSP, stability and performance of Azure‑hosted systems and virtual machines, accurate user lifecycle management and permission control
• Quality & Improvement: Accurate documentation across IT processes and systems, identifying and implementing improvements to helpdesk workflows or store roll‑outs, clear communication and reporting to management
• Security & Compliance: Adhering to security standards and internal policies, prompt escalation of security alerts or anomalies, correct application of user access permissions and data protection practices

The Skills – IT Manager (interim)

We need an experienced IT leader who thrives under pressure, stays calm during site‑wide issues, and drives quick resolutions, demonstrating our values: Genuine, Wise, Eager, Focused, Together.

Key Requirements

• Proven background in IT operations and team management
• Skilled in retail IT (POS, store networking, devices)
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 admin (Teams, SharePoint, user/access)
• Experience with MDM tools (e.g., ManageEngine), networking (LAN/WAN, Wi‑Fi, VPNs), and MS SQL troubleshooting
• Familiar with Azure monitoring/escalation and Teams Meeting Rooms/AV support
• Strong communication, customer focus, and ability to manage escalations
• Comfortable balancing Helpdesk, store support, projects, and coordinating third‑party vendors/MSP
• Certifications desirable: Microsoft 365 Admin, Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA Network+, ITIL Foundation

About Jollyes Pets

Jollyes are an award‑winning UK pet retailer with over 100 stores and over 50 years of pet expertise between our paws. Winners of the Retail Week award for ‘Best Retailer 2024’ (under £250m t/o), and listed in the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ you really can be sure you’re joining a great brand and employer, trusted by our customers and our colleagues.

To Apply

If you’re looking for an interim role with a company who will truly value you and recognize your contribution with some fantastic rewards and benefits, where you can really make a difference to keep the wheels turning, click to apply today!

Respectfully no agencies please.