IT Manager

Central; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment provider in Manchester is seeking an IT Manager to ensure the seamless operation of technical systems within their venues. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, a track record in IT management, and expertise in network and data security. This permanent position offers a salary of up to £60,000 and includes private health insurance and company benefits.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Friends and family discounts

Company contribution pension

Cycle2Work scheme

Refer a friend scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Hospitality IT support.
• Familiarity with risk management and systems recovery planning.
• Knowledge of industry standards for IT security.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the Venue Technician and Systems Technician.
• Coordinate team availability and resources.
• Act as primary communication between IT team and venue management.
• Oversee development and improvement of IT systems.
• Implement robust security measures for network and data.

Skills

IT management experience

Network and data security skills

Team management

Excellent communication skills

Vendor management

Tools

Unifi networking

EPOS systems

Wi-Fi setups

Job description

Role | IT Manager

Location | Manchester

Salary | Up to £60,000

Contract | Permanent

All candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English and have the right to work in the UK.

About Us

Lane7 are the fastest growing and the market leading boutique bowling business in the UK, with multiple venues across three brands: Lane7, Level X and Gutterball. Think of us as your one‑stop shop for a great activity packed experience. We offer highly attractive bowling lanes, arcades, ping‑pong, e‑darts, virtual reality, karting and much more!

The Role

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of our technical systems within our venues.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage and develop the Venue Technician and Systems Technician, providing Level 2 support to all Level 1 technicians as needed. Support the Head of IT during absence, collaborating closely with the Head of IT to support the IT Projects team.
• Scheduling & Resource Management: Coordinate team availability, resources, and workloads, ensuring support coverage and effective allocation of IT resources.
• IT & Venue Management Communications: Act as the primary communication bridge between the IT team and venue management to ensure alignment on IT operations and support needs.
• System Development & Maintenance: Oversee the development and continuous improvement of IT systems, ensuring all updates, rollouts, and system changes are smoothly implemented.
• Infrastructure Alignment: Align IT infrastructure with current and future business requirements, supporting organizational growth and innovation.
• Network & Data Security: Implement robust security measures for the network, data, and communication systems to protect against potential cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Risk & Recovery Management: Assess IT risks, develop effective recovery and backup strategies, and design comprehensive systems policies and procedures.
• Budget & Cost Management: Manage the annual IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation.
• Vendor & Service Management: Build and manage relationships with external IT vendors, negotiate contracts, and monitor service level agreements to ensure quality and reliability.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation of IT systems, processes, and policies, providing senior management with regular reports on IT performance, issues, and ongoing initiatives.
• Technical Support Oversight: Lead the IT support function, ensuring that all technical issues are resolved efficiently to minimize downtime and uphold service‑level agreements.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in IT management or a similar role, minimum 2 years of experience working in Hospitality IT support.
• Strong technical skills, particularly in network and data security, systems integration, and IT infrastructure management.
• Experience with resource scheduling, team management, and performance development.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work closely with both technical staff and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with risk management and systems recovery planning.
• Strong vendor management skills and SLA monitoring.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices for IT security, infrastructure, and compliance.

Required Experience

All applicants must have an understanding of the below:

• Technical Systems: Previous knowledge of Unifi networking, EPOS setup and installation, Wi‑Fi setups, and troubleshooting.
• Networking Expertise: Extensive networking knowledge, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Industry Insight: Interest in gaming and understanding of its infrastructure requirements are highly valued.

Working Arrangement

Your place of works is Lane7 Manchester working remotely when appropriate.

Your hours of work will be Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Travel to our Lane7 sites as required for the role with flexibility around working hours required.

Some hotel overnight stays as required to meet needs of the business.

You’ll work in a close‑knit team in this broad and varied role.

What We’ll Offer

• Up to £60.000 salary per annum
• Private health insurance & benefits through Vitality
• Friends and family discounts across the Lane7 Group
• Company contribution pension
• Cycle2Work scheme partnered with Halfords
• Refer a friend scheme

To Apply

Does this sound what you’re looking for? Get in touch asap to find out more and join us!