IT Manager

Ashdown Group; England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation in Northamptonshire is seeking an experienced IT Manager to oversee and optimise their technology operations. This fully site-based role involves managing IT systems, leading a small IT team, and ensuring system uptime and security. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in similar positions, strong expertise in VMware, Microsoft servers, and networking, as well as excellent problem-solving and leadership skills. The salary range is £55,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an IT Systems Lead, IT Manager, or Senior Systems Engineer role.
• Strong technical expertise with VMware/ESXi and Microsoft servers.
• Experience with SQL databases and generating relevant reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain all operational and business IT systems.
• Administer and support VMware/ESXi and Microsoft on-premises servers.
• Manage network infrastructure, including Fortinet and Cisco devices.

Skills

VMware/ESXi

Microsoft Servers

Microsoft 365

Fortinet/Cisco networking

SQL databases

Cybersecurity frameworks

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication skills

Tools

Power BI

Job description

A well-established organisation based in near Corby in Northamptonshire is looking for an IT Manager to join the team on a full-time, permanent basis. Please note this is a fully site-based role.

This is a hands-on position suited to an experienced IT professional who will be responsible for overseeing and supporting all technology operations, maintaining and optimising the organisation s core business systems to ensure reliability, performance, and data integrity.

As the IT Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring system uptime and efficiency across all departments. You will lead a small IT team, manage external vendors, and act as the main technical point of contact for infrastructure, security, and continuous improvement projects.

Key responsibilities as the IT Systems Lead will include:

• Overseeing and maintaining all operational and business IT systems to ensure stability, availability, and performance
• Administering and supporting VMware/ESXi and Microsoft on‑premises servers, ensuring a resilient and secure environment
• Managing network infrastructure, including Fortinet and Cisco devices, Wi‑Fi, and site connectivity
• Overseeing the Microsoft 365 suite (Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Azure AD)
• Developing and maintaining SQL databases and business reports to support decision‑making
• Leading cybersecurity and compliance initiatives aligned to ISO27001, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR
• Managing data backups, disaster recovery testing, and IT documentation
• Providing hands‑on technical support and guidance to users across the business
• Leading, mentoring, and developing a small IT team, and managing third‑party IT suppliers

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in a similar IT Systems Lead, IT Systems Engineer, IT Manager, Senior Systems Engineer role, ideally within a manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, or production-focused environment.
• Strong technical expertise with VMware/ESXi, Microsoft Servers, Microsoft 365, and Fortinet/Cisco networking infrastructure
• Experience working with SQL databases and generating reports using relevant tools
• A sound understanding of IT security frameworks, GDPR, and audit compliance
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a proactive, hands‑on approach
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• A self‑motivated, organised, and business‑focused mindset, with the ability to deliver technology solutions that improve operational efficiency

Experience with data visualisation tools such as Power BI or automation platforms would be advantageous.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically skilled and business‑focused IT professional to take ownership of a broad and critical IT environment within a successful and growing organisation.

The salary on offer is £55,000 - £65,000 per annum dependent on experience.