IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Operations) REF 1246

Interface Recruitment; Sefton, Widnes, Knowsley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

25 days holidays

Free Parking

Job summary

Interface Recruitment is seeking a hands-on IT Manager to own the IT function across multiple UK sites for a manufacturing business. You will act as the technical lead, supporting around 230 employees with autonomy to drive technology improvements and align IT with business needs.

You will manage Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows Server, AD, and security, while partnering with an MSP and suppliers to deliver projects and ensure resilience and growth.

Qualifications

• Experience owning IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
• Experience managing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, networking and security.
• Backup, disaster recovery and business continuity expertise.
• Vendor and supplier management in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to support users across multiple UK sites.
• Comfortable liaising with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the company's IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
• Manage Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
• Support Windows Server, Active Directory, networking and security.
• Manage backups, disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Collaborate with external MSPs and technology vendors on projects.
• Support users across office, warehouse and manufacturing environments.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades and hardware refreshes.
• Manage endpoint security and cyber security best practices.
• Support business systems and reporting.
• Bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Azure environments

Active Directory

Windows Server

Networking & security

Backup & disaster recovery

Hardware support

Vendor & supplier management

Job description

IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Operations) REF 1246

Pension / 25 days holidays / Free Parking

Region

IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Operations)

£40,000 - £45,000 + Benefits
Southport / Widnes / Knowsley | Office Based | Manufacturing

Own the IT Function. Drive Improvement. Make a Difference.

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, privately owned manufacturing business looking for a hands-on IT Manager to take ownership of their entire IT operation.

This isn't a role where you'll spend your days managing people or sitting in meetings. Instead, you'll be the technical lead, trusted adviser and go-to person for everything IT, working closely with senior leadership while supporting users across manufacturing, warehouse and office environments.

Supporting around 230 employees (approximately 180 IT users) across multiple UK sites and an overseas operation, you'll enjoy genuine autonomy, varied project work and the opportunity to influence the future direction of technology within the business.

Working alongside a trusted Managed Service Provider and specialist technology partners, you'll oversee infrastructure, security, projects and day-to-day operational support while ensuring IT continues to enable business growth.

What You'll Be Doing

• Taking full ownership of the company's IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
• Managing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
• Supporting Windows Server, Active Directory, networking and security.
• Managing backups, disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Working with external MSPs and technology vendors to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
• Supporting users across office, warehouse and manufacturing environments.
• Leading infrastructure upgrades, hardware refreshes and technology improvements.
• Managing endpoint security and cyber security best practice.
• Supporting business systems and reporting where required.
• Acting as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

You'll be someone who enjoys variety and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up.

You'll likely have experience in roles such as:

• IT Manager
• Infrastructure Manager
• IT Operations Manager
• Technical Services Manager

You'll ideally have experience with:

• Microsoft 365
• Active Directory
• Windows Server
• Networking, firewalls and switching
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Hardware support
• Vendor and supplier management
• Supporting users in a manufacturing or operational environment

The Person

This role would suit someone who:

• Enjoys owning an IT environment rather than working in a large corporate team.
• Can comfortably communicate with everyone from shop floor users through to senior leadership.
• Is commercially minded and enjoys solving business problems with technology.
• Is equally happy delivering infrastructure projects and resolving day-to-day technical issues.
• Can build strong relationships with external technology partners and suppliers.
• Takes pride in delivering excellent customer service across the business.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a stable, successful business where IT is recognised as a key business function rather than simply a support service.

You'll have genuine ownership, broad technical exposure, varied project work and the opportunity to shape the future technology roadmap while working in an environment where your contribution will have a visible impact.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, business engagement and real autonomy, we'd love to hear from you.