IT Manager

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions; Burslem; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension Scheme

Life Insurance (4x)

23 Days Annual Leave

Office-based role

Senior leadership exposure

Job summary

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead the IT function for a growing business. You will own IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology projects while supporting UK and international operations.

This hands-on leadership role includes preparing budgets and guiding ERP/MRP improvements, with one direct report. You will report to the MD and work in a permanent office-based role, typically 9-5 with some flexibility.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years' experience in IT infrastructure management and systems administration.
• Experience mentoring IT staff.
• Strong project management with successful IT project delivery.
• Excellent understanding of cybersecurity, risk management and compliance.
• Experience with networking tech including firewalls, VPNs, routers, switches.
• Knowledge of systems administration and database management.
• Experience managing IT budgets, vendors, and procurement.
• Familiarity with IT service management frameworks.
• Experience developing disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical, organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT infrastructure management across servers, networks and cloud.
• Oversee cybersecurity strategy and data protection compliance.
• Manage IT projects from planning to deployment within scope and budget.
• Maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Collaborate with international teams and support ERP/MRP initiatives.
• Control IT budgets and procurement activities.

Skills

IT infrastructure management

Systems administration

Network operations

Project management

Cybersecurity

Budget management

Vendor management

Team leadership

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Jira

Confluence

VPN/firewalls

Job description

IT Manager

Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (ST1)

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (typically 9:00am - 5:00pm, with flexibility required depending on project demands)

Permanent, Office-Based role

The Role

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are seeking an experienced and proactive IT Manager to lead and develop the IT function within a growing business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the company's IT infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity strategy, and technology projects while supporting both UK and international operations. You will have one direct report who is a IT Analyst.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will be responsible for maintaining robust IT systems, driving continuous improvements, managing key technology projects, and ensuring the business remains secure, efficient, and future-focused.

Key Responsibilities

IT Infrastructure Management

• Manage server environments, network configurations, cloud infrastructure, and hardware/software solutions.
• Ensure system reliability, performance, and scalability across the business.
• Maintain and optimise IT operations to support business growth.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Develop and implement security protocols and policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and support incident response activities.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and information security regulations.
• Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning initiatives.

Project Management

• Lead IT projects from planning through to successful deployment.
• Deliver projects within agreed scope, timescales, and budgets.
• Support software implementations, system upgrades, and technology transformation initiatives.
• Play a key role in ERP/MRP system improvements and migrations.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Manage technology vendors, software providers, and service partners.
• Present technical information clearly to non‑technical stakeholders.

Global Technology Support

• Collaborate with international colleagues and regional IT teams.
• Recommend, develop, implement, and support technology solutions across the wider organisation.
• Assist in the development and implementation of IT policies, procedures, and best practices.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage IT budgets and technology expenditure.
• Drive cost efficiencies while maintaining service quality.
• Support procurement activities and contract negotiations.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and support to the IT Analyst.
• Encourage professional development and continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation and high performance.

About You

• 5-10 years' experience in IT infrastructure management, systems administration, and network operations.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring IT staff.
• Strong project management experience with successful delivery of IT projects.
• Excellent understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management, and security compliance.
• Experience with networking technologies including firewalls, VPNs, routers, and switches.
• Strong knowledge of systems administration and database management.
• Experience managing IT budgets, vendors, and technology procurement.
• Understanding of IT service management frameworks and operational best practices.
• Experience developing disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving abilities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with ERP or MRP system migrations.
• Knowledge of cloud computing technologies.
• Exposure to IoT and AI/ML solutions.
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics AX.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools including Jira and Confluence.

Benefits

• Company Pension Scheme
• 4x Life Insurance
• 23 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Permanent Office‑Based Position
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership

Additional Information

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IT professional looking to make a significant impact within a business where technology plays a key role in operational success. If you are a hands‑on IT leader with strong technical expertise and a passion for driving improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, this role is commutable from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Stone, Crewe, Uttoxeter, Cannock, Congleton, Leek, Macclesfield and surrounding areas.

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