IT Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension Scheme

4x Life Insurance

23 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holid a

Permanent Office-Based Position

Senior leadership exposure

Job summary

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced IT Manager in Stoke-on-Trent to lead and develop the IT function. You will own the IT infrastructure, cybersecurity strategy, and key technology projects while supporting UK and international operations.

A hands-on leadership role with one direct report (IT Analyst) and close collaboration with senior leadership. The role requires 5–10 years of IT experience, strong project and vendor management, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ IT infrastructure management, systems administration, and network operations.
• Experience leading or mentoring IT staff.
• Proven project management experience delivering IT projects.
• Strong cybersecurity, risk management, and security compliance knowledge.
• Experience with networking devices including firewalls, VPNs, routers and switches.
• Knowledge of systems administration and database management.
• Experience managing IT budgets, vendors and procurement.
• Familiarity with IT service management frameworks and best practices.
• Experience developing disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT infrastructure management across servers, networks and cloud.
• Develop and implement cybersecurity policies and response plans.
• Manage IT projects from planning to deployment within scope and budget.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders; present technical info clearly.
• Provide global technology support with regional IT teams.
• Oversee IT budgets and procurement to drive cost efficiencies.
• Lead and mentor the IT Analyst; foster continuous improvement.

Skills

IT infrastructure

Systems administration

Network operations

Cybersecurity

Budget management

Vendor management

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

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

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

Closing date

Closing date is #removed# Please note this could change subject to suitable applications.

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

Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the future.