IT Manager

PKF Smith Cooper; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting and business advisory firm in the East Midlands is seeking an experienced IT Manager to oversee IT strategy and systems management. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in IT management, strong knowledge of O365, and excellent communication skills. This role involves working closely with senior leadership to enhance IT efficiency and security while supporting the company’s ambitious growth plans. Competitive salary based on experience, with benefits including generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working policy

Life assurance

Employee discounts through Rewards Scheme

Qualifications

• Previous IT Manager experience is essential.
• Strong O365 and MS knowledge required.
• Experience in IT security and data protection.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the firm’s IT strategy.
• Manage internal IT systems, including networks and cloud services.
• Oversee cybersecurity protocols and disaster recovery plans.

Skills

IT security

GDPR knowledge

Strong communicator

Project management

Technical experience

O365 knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Location

Birmingham, Derby, or Nottingham

Contract

Full‑time (37.5 hours)

Salary

Dependant on experience

As our IT Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency, security, and reliability of our systems. Working closely with our IT Director, Operations Partner, and the wider operations and systems team, you will help shape and implement strategic IT initiatives that support seamless business operations across the firm.

This role is crucial for our firm’s ambitious growth plans, aiming to double in size over the next five years. By working closely with senior leadership and department heads, you will enhance IT efficiency and security to support the company’s growth objectives, so if you want to make a significant impact in a dynamic company, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

This position is ideal for a proactive IT Manager who has experience in a similar role. The successful candidate will have the full backing and support of PKF Infuse, our IT support group company, and a UK Top 10 MSP.

The ideal candidate should have excellent knowledge of the full O365 and MS suite of products, be a strong communicator, and possess the ability to hit the ground running.

This role will require travel to our other offices and occasional out‑of‑hours ad hoc work.

Responsibilities

• IT Strategy & Planning
  • Work with our IT Director to develop and implement the firm’s IT strategy
  • Lead digital transformation initiatives and identify opportunities for innovation
  • Lead IT projects such as system upgrades, migrations, and new technology rollouts
• Infrastructure & Systems Management
  • Manage and maintain all internal IT systems, including networks, servers, cloud services, and business applications.
  • Ensure system security, data integrity, and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR)
  • Manage relationships with external IT providers and software vendors
• Risk & Compliance
  • Play a key part in monitoring our cybersecurity protocols and disaster recovery plans
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements, including but not limited to GDPR and ISO 27001

Required Skills and Experience

• Previous IT Manager experience is essential
• IT security, data protection and GDPR knowledge is essential
• Strong communicator
• Experienced in managing projects
• Technical experience
• Strong O365 and MS knowledge
• An ambitious and inquisitive nature with strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to use own initiative

Why PKF Smith Cooper?

• Our company culture, built on our values – Engage, Empower and Excel – encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated; a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme.
• The firm’s Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.
• We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same.
• We are multi‑award‑winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 12th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.

Why Birmingham?

In the heart of the vibrant city, our new, state‑of‑the‑art office boasts a contemporary open plan working area, on‑site gym with lockers and shower facilities, and a large roof terrace perfect for taking in the views of the city. Our Birmingham office is easily accessible via train, being adjacent to Snowhill Train Station and only a 10‑minute walk from New Street Station.

Why Derby?

At our headquarters, located in Pride Park, you’ll find our main office, featuring three floors of bright, open‑plan workspaces, breakout areas, and modern meeting rooms. Fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces are perfect for spending time away from our desks, and you can even enjoy our private, on‑site gym.

Why Nottingham?

In the heart of the bustling city, our Nottingham office, refurbished in 2023, is a modern and collaborative space. Some of the city’s best cafes and restaurants are on our doorstep, and we’re close to several public transport links, making the office easily accessible.

PKF International

As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms. Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions. An ambitious, future‑focused network, PKF provides a comprehensive range of services. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we are able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to better serve our clients, delivering highly personalised services and global connectivity through our client‑centric culture.

Benefits

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme – Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to manager discretion.
• Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long‑serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories.
• Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme.
• Regular social events and annual, company‑wide away days giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm.
• Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients, so that when we benefit, you do too.
• Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day, and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy, etc.) through Healthshield.

How to Apply?

If you believe you meet our requirements, we encourage you to apply! Even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria, please submit your application. To do so, upload your CV and a cover letter to our job portal.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the People team at [e-mail] or by calling 01332 332021.

Please note that we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds; however, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK.

Also, we kindly ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us unless we have directly reached out to you.