IT Manager

iO Associates; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Buckinghamshire seeks an IT Manager for digital transformation. As the first dedicated IT leadership hire, you will establish a new division, driving strategy and implementation of IT functions. The role involves leading a high-performing team, shaping digital strategies, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards. Ideal candidates possess extensive IT management experience, expertise in digital transformation, and strong leadership capabilities in a high-technology environment.

Qualifications

• Multiple years' experience in IT management or digital transformation.
• Experience working within a space, defence, or high-technology manufacturing organisation.
• Proven success in leading IT infrastructure projects and implementing ERP/PLM systems.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with cloud solutions (Microsoft 365, Azure) and network infrastructure.
• The ability to scope, build, and lead a new IT division from inception.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation's IT and digital transformation strategy.
• Lead the implementation of digital systems (ERP, PLM, MES, analytics, collaboration tools).
• Champion automation, data integration, and cloud solutions.
• Design, implement, and manage reliable IT infrastructure.
• Oversee IT service delivery and vendor relationships.
• Create and lead a new IT division.
• Implement robust cybersecurity measures.

Skills

IT management

Digital transformation

Cybersecurity principles

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Tools

Microsoft 365

Azure

ERP systems

PLM systems

MES

Data analytics tools

Job description

IT Manager - Digital Transformation

Location - Buckinghamshire, Onsite

Salary - 60,000 - £70,000

This is a unique opportunity to join a global leader in advanced engineering and manufacturing, specialising in high‑technology solutions for the aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

As part of this growth, the company is embarking on a major digital transformation journey to enable smarter, data‑driven decision‑making, strengthen operational efficiency, and support sustained business growth in a competitive global market.

This is not just an IT Manager position, it's the chance to establish a brand‑new division from the ground up. As the company's first dedicated IT leadership hire, you'll have full autonomy to scope, design, and implement the IT function, while building and leading a high‑performing team.

You'll play a pivotal role in shaping the digital strategy and IT infrastructure, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery to create secure, efficient, and scalable systems that support ambitious growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation's IT and digital transformation strategy, aligned with wider group frameworks.
• Lead the implementation of digital systems (ERP, PLM, MES, data analytics, collaboration tools).
• Champion automation, data integration, and cloud solutions to streamline workflows.
• Design, implement, and manage reliable IT infrastructure (networks, servers, end‑user systems, security).
• Oversee IT service delivery and vendor relationships.
• Create and lead a brand‑new IT division, building a small, high‑performing team and fostering collaboration across engineering, operations, and business functions.
• Implement robust cybersecurity measures and ensure compliance with ISO 27001, GDPR, and defence sector standards.

We're looking for a forward‑thinking IT leader who combines strategic vision with hands‑on technical expertise. You’ll have:

• Multiple years' experience in IT management or digital transformation
• Experience working within a space, defence, or high‑technology manufacturing organisation.
• Proven success in leading IT infrastructure projects and implementing ERP/PLM systems.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud solutions (Microsoft 365, Azure) and network infrastructure.
• The ability to scope, build, and lead a new IT division from inception.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

This is a rare chance to create and lead a new IT division at a critical stage in the organisation's digital journey. You’ll have the autonomy to set direction, the support to deliver transformation, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on future growth in a high‑technology environment.

If interested, please share your CV to arrange a call and discuss further!