IT Manager

Sponge; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital learning solutions company in Bristol is seeking an IT Manager to lead the IT strategy and ensure the security and stability of its IT infrastructure. The ideal candidate will manage a small team, implement cybersecurity measures, and define the IT budget. Strong experience in network administration and compliance regulations is essential. The role offers flexible and hybrid working options alongside competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Flexible working hour

Remote and hybrid working options

Pension Scheme

Income Protection and Life Assurance

25 Days Holiday

Birthday Off

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in IT network administration and cybersecurity.
• Ability to assess IT security risks in a fast-paced digital environment.
• Experience with IT governance and disaster recovery planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the IT support desk and respond to end-user support requests.
• Ensure security and resilience of the company’s IT network.
• Monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats.

Skills

IT network administration

Cybersecurity

Device management

Excellent communication skills

Education

Relevant Degree

Microsoft Certified

CCNA

Tools

Microsoft Intune

Active Directory

VMWare

Linux Server administration

Job description

As the IT Manager, you’ll be responsible for keeping Sponge's IT infrastructure secure, stable and ready for what’s next.

Sponge is a team of 120+ people across the UK, Germany, Europe and as far reaching as Canada. We work with global clients to deliver digital learning solutions, and strong IT underpins everything we do.

Reporting to the Director of Business Operations, you’ll define and lead our IT strategy. We’re a digital first business, therefore there is a strong focus on ensuring proactive security measures are in place, ensuring robust business continuity planning, and making sure we’re compliant with necessary standards, both now and for the future.

Day to day, you’ll be hands-on working with one direct report in your team. Autonomously, you’ll lead the direction and priorities of the IT function, working closely with other teams across the business, providing technical support, input and expertise where required.

Job Description

As the IT Manager, you’ll be responsible for keeping Sponge's IT infrastructure secure, stable and ready for what’s next.

Sponge is a team of 120+ people across the UK, Germany, Europe and as far reaching as Canada. We work with global clients to deliver digital learning solutions, and strong IT underpins everything we do.

Reporting to the Director of Business Operations, you’ll define and lead our IT strategy. We’re a digital first business, therefore there is a strong focus on ensuring proactive security measures are in place, ensuring robust business continuity planning, and making sure we’re compliant with necessary standards, both now and for the future.

Day to day, you’ll be hands-on working with one direct report in your team. Autonomously, you’ll lead the direction and priorities of the IT function, working closely with other teams across the business, providing technical support, input and expertise where required.

Job Requirements

• Extensive experience in IT network administration, device management, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud-based infrastructure.
• Experience with IT governance, disaster recovery planning, business continuity and backup management.
• Ability to assess and mitigate IT security risks in a fast-paced digital environment.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, risk management, and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials).
• Experience with Microsoft Intune to manage both Windows and Apple devices.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to network with colleagues and suppliers.
• Knowledge and experience in the following areas would be highly desirable: Meraki, EntraID, Conditional Access, Active Directory, VMWare, Linux Server administration, AppCheck, Dynamics365 user administration & licencing.
• Desirable accreditations: Microsoft Certified, CCNA, Relevant Degree.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for overseeing the IT support desk, responding to day-to-day end user support requests.
• Management of hardware/software/warranty and IT strategy for all Group IT resources.
• Ensure the security and resilience of the company’s IT network and infrastructure.
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and intellectual property, working closely with our DevOps/Tech functions and our Head of Risk and Compliance.
• Define, monitor and manage the IT budget, being proactive on identifying potential efficiencies (e.g., through new tech, license management or supplier selection).
• Manage IT projects, ensuring on-time delivery, quality assurance, and budget adherence
• Monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats, ensuring minimal business disruption
• Regularly assess and update security policies, aligning with industry best practices
• Ongoing management of penetration testing platform, patching, and vulnerability scanning.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure our IT operations align with business needs
• Stay up to date with industry best practices and compliance topics related to IT security
• Line management of one remote team member.

Job Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Our priority is to find the right candidate
• Flexible working hour
• Remote and hybrid working options available
• Pension Scheme
• Income Protection and Life Assurance
• 25 Days Holiday (Excluding Bank Holidays
• Birthday Off
• Healthcare Cash Plan

Be Yourself with Us: At Sponge, we value diversity. We hire talented individuals from various backgrounds because it strengthens our team. We are committed to increasing diversity within our teams and management positions and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves together.

What’s Next?: If this role aligns with your skills and aspirations, simply hit apply, and we will be in touch regarding the next steps.