IT Manager

COPE Galway; Galway; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

COPE Galway is seeking an IT Manager to lead the strategic direction and governance of the organisation's IT function. You will develop the IT strategy, ensure cybersecurity and data protection compliance, and build a digital infrastructure to support our 2026–2028 ambitions.

The role involves overseeing IT operations, managing strategic projects, and steering the digitalisation programme in collaboration with external partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years experience in IT management.
• Experience developing and delivering IT strategy and governance.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, data protection and risk management.
• Experience managing IT across multiple locations and vendors.
• Familiarity with AI tools, automation and digital transformation within a regulated setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop IT strategy and governance for the organisation.
• Lead IT security improvements and disaster recovery planning.
• Oversee digitalisation and AI integration across the charity.
• Collaborate with external IT partners and service providers.
• Support staff training on IT systems and procedures.

Skills

IT management

IT strategy

Cybersecurity

Budgeting

AI tools

Digital transformation

Vendor management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

COPE Galway has been providing essential social services in Galway for 60 years. We respond to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, women and children subjected to domestic abuse, and we support older people towards healthy, independent ageing. Our vision is for a community where every person is valued, cared for, and supported at every stage of life.

COPE Galway is deeply embedded in the Galway community. We are founded on the belief that together we can make a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve and our community.

Our People

Our People, COPE Galway staff and volunteers, are the driving force behind everything we do. Their passion, commitment, and professionalism enable us to deliver a wide range of services, support more people, and make a real impact in the community.

Working with COPE Galway

Joining our team means you will make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the families and individuals we support and contribute to driving meaningful social change in the community. Whether you are a frontline worker directly supporting clients or in an administrative role, you are vital to our efforts to address critical issues like homelessness and domestic abuse and to ensure that older people are valued and supported.

At COPE Galway, we prioritise the development and wellbeing of our people. We offer a supportive work environment, with opportunities for ongoing training, personal and professional growth, and leadership development.

Our Culture

We foster an inclusive, supportive and respectful workplace, where diversity is valued. Our team is united by a shared mission and a genuine passion for empowering people and creating meaningful change. We take a trauma-informed approach to the way we work and foster this culture in every aspect of the organisation, including a focus on the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Position Overview

The IT Manager holds overall responsibility for the strategic direction, governance, and operational integrity of COPE Galway’s IT function. The post holder will lead the development and delivery of IT strategy, ensure compliance with relevant cybersecurity and data protection legislation, and build the digital infrastructure and capability required to support the organisation’s 2026–2028 strategic ambitions.

The role encompasses oversight of IT operations, management of strategic projects, and leadership of the organisation’s digitalisation programme. The IT Manager will work in close collaboration with external IT service providers, ensuring staff are equipped to use IT systems effectively and that the organisation’s digital environment is secure, compliant, and continuously evolving.

This role requires close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure that IT operations align with organisational objectives and regulatory requirements. The post holder will report to the Organisational Change Manager within COPE Galway.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

IT Development and Innovation

• Create and lead on IT Strategy
• Work closely with the Organisational Change Manager and SLT in scoping, planning, implementation and completion of IT related projects and strategies.
• Manage and identify IT security risks and continually improve our IT security
• Take a lead on improving IT systems and identifying IT solutions; keep track of technological advancements and trends in IT support
• Support the planning and delivery of IT projects and for the overall digitalisation of the organisation
• Deliver training to end-users on hardware functionality and software programmes associated with these IT projects and other current systems
• Support trouble shooting of issues
• Contribute to the identification of risks associated with IT projects and to the elimination and mitigation of these risks
• Assist with the development of required processes, procedures and instructions in relation to systems introduced
• Explore innovative and bespoke approaches to IT which can support our needs and the needs of our clients

Strategic Leadership & IT Management

• Hold overall management responsibility for the IT function
• Lead and oversee the rollout of AI integration and automation across the organisation, including responsible AI adoption, staff enablement, and governance
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive digital systems audit to map all existing platforms, identify integration opportunities, assess compliance, and develop a roadmap for consolidation
• Provide strategic IT input into the organisation’s data management and impact measurement system, collaborating with managers, services and departments, from design through to implementation and staff training
• Lead security and infrastructure enhancements, including a full review of existing security posture, implementation of business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and regular reporting to senior leadership
• Oversee IT financial management: manage IT procurement, licensing, and equipment budgets; forecast future IT expenditure; and actively pursue applicable grants and charity sector pricing to deliver cost savings
• Explore and develop partnerships, external collaboration, and funding opportunities to advance COPE Galway’s IT capability and share learning with the wider charity sector
• Work with service leads to identify and develop client-focused technology solutions, including digital safety tools in Domestic Abuse Services and assistive technology in Senior Support Services

IT support

• Provide technical assistance with computer hardware and software and resolve issues for staff via phone, in person, or electronically
• Where appropriate, log bugs and enhancement requests with outsourcer and track performance of tickets
• Assist IT outsourcers to perform hardware and software installations, configurations and updates as needed
• Work with I.T outsourcers to resolve technical issues in a timely manner using available resources within the company
• Liaise with internal and external IT partners to ensure IT operational efficiency
• Procurement of IT equipment and equipment set-up

Training and development

• Identify training gaps and deliver necessary training and upskilling based on these gaps
• Develop organisational on-boarding and introductory IT training
• Provide IT training and up-skilling to managers
• Create IT training and development strategy as part of the overall IT Strategy
• Design, plan, and create resources to deliver IT training for staff
• Create and maintain tips and tricks solutions

Administration and Maintenance

• Maintain records of all IT incidents, enhancements, and audit logs
• Manage relationships with ISP, VOIP, and landline providers
• Supporting and maintaining the IT infrastructure across all COPE Galway locations, including timely IT upgrades

IT Management, compliance and security

• Work closely with the compliance lead, CEO, SLT, and Management team to ensure IT infrastructure, policies and processes are compliant with regulations including;
• Compliance with NIS2 Directive
• Cyber security legislation and regulations
• Identifying and mitigating IT risks across the organisation

Health and Safety

• Familiarise yourself with the COPE Galway Safety Statement and all relevant Health and Safety policies and procedure
• Bring any Health and Safety related concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety Representative.

Staff and Client

• Treat staff and clients who you interact in the course of your work with dignity and respect at all times
• Work effectively with other COPE Galway personnel when performing your duties
• Engage in supervision with your line manager.

General

• Operate within the COPE Galway Code of Practice and organisational Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of the staff, clients and the organisations activities.
• Participate in relevant training and development courses as agreed with your line manager
• Undertake other such duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate is a strategic, technically capable IT leader, who combines hands-on expertise with the vision and confidence to drive organisational change.

They think beyond systems — understanding that technology exists to serve people — and are motivated by building something meaningful: a secure, compliant, future-ready IT function that enables COPE Galway to deliver on its ambitions. They communicate, are collaborative, values-driven, and genuinely committed to the mission of COPE Galway.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Have a minimum of two years experience in an IT management
• Experience developing and delivering training plans
• Experience and knowledge of Microsoft office applications and the management and governance of such applications
• Flexible approach and the ability to work on own initiative both alone and as a member of a team
• Experience managing IT infrastructure across multiple locations
• Proven record of project management and delivery
• Experience managing or supervising staff, including setting priorities, delegating tasks, and supporting professional development
• Demonstrable experience developing and implementing IT strategy aligned to organisational objectives
• Experience of IT budgeting, procurement, and financial management, including managing supplier relationships and identifying cost efficiencies
• Knowledge of AI tools, automation, and digital transformation, with the ability to lead their implementation in a regulated, mission-driven environment

Core competencies

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and inter-personal skills
• Systems thinking – ability to think strategically and holistically to support the delivery of organisational goals in line with service, client and employee needs.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve IT issues quickly and effectively.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage IT projects from concept through to completion.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks effectively
• Cultural Competence: Ability to work with a diverse team and client base.
• Budgeting: Experience working with or managing IT project budgets.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, and system integration.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task
• Enjoys working with multiple teams
• A passion for learning and development and assisting other to learn and develop
• Actively listen and communicate in a timely and effective manner in all interactions with colleagues
• Ensure that own attitudes and beliefs don’t negatively impact on the workplace
• Consider all solutions, opportunities, and anticipated obstacle before acting
• Demonstrate an openness and willingness to adapt to change
• Demonstrate an informed and considered approach to your work
• Exercise good judgement
• Committed to the vision, mission and values of COPE Galway and believe they are appropriate

Key Terms of Employement

• Type of contract: Full-time Permanent contract
• Hours of work: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
• Method of pay: Monthly by credit transfer
• A minimum of two years experience in an IT management