A lifestyle retail company located in London are seeking an IT Manager to join their team on a permanent basis with hybrid working.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Founded in 2012 by two seventh-generation cobblers, the company is based on one simple insight - barefoot footwear is sustainable footwear. Their goal is to create regenerative footwear and experiences that bring people closer to nature and their natural potential. To be a regenerative business; is to have a net positive impact on improving the health of people and our planet. They want to set an example for businesses on a global scale, operating always through rigor and integrity to make and demonstrate transformational change, even if it means being an outsider.
They believe that the closer people are to nature, the more they will protect it; the natural world is the only real model of sustainability; and barefoot shoes are the only shoes that are healthy for us and the planet.
ABOUT THE ROLE
They are seeking a dynamic and experienced IT Manager to join their Technology team and collaborate closely with their IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) and internal staff. The primary focus of this role is to drive operational excellence within the IT Operations segment of the Technology team, ensuring seamless collaboration between internal resources and MSP to enhance the overall value delivered by their IT operations.
This is a highly visible role in the organisation with a real ability to influence the internal ecosystem. They are looking for a hands-on, data-driven individual who wants to join an exciting, high-growth, fast-paced company, where your ideas can come to fruition.
KEY OUTPUTS:
Strategic Collaboration:
Work closely with internal stakeholders and the IT Managed Service Provider to align IT strategies with organisational objectives.
Develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with the MSP, ensuring effective communication and understanding of shared goals.
Operations Enhancement:
Assess current IT operational processes and identify areas for improvement and optimisation.
Drive initiatives to enhance the overall performance, reliability, and scalability of IT operations.
Vendor Management:
Act as the primary liaison between the internal team and the IT Managed Service Provider.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of the MSP, ensuring adherence to SLAs and contractual obligations.
Security and Compliance:
Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure IT operations adhere to security standards and compliance requirements.
Implement and monitor security protocols and practices to safeguard organisational data.
Technology Stack Optimization:
Evaluate the current technology stack and infrastructure, identifying opportunities for optimisation and cost-efficiency.
Collaborate with the MSP to implement and manage technology solutions that align with business needs.
Continuous Improvement:
Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the IT Operations team, encouraging proactive problem-solving and innovation.
Implement metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and report on the success of operational enhancements.
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions during technology upgrades, system migrations, and process changes.
Collaborate with internal teams to assess the impact of changes on operations and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
Oversee the development and implementation of incident response and problem resolution procedures.
Work closely with the MSP to identify root causes of issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent future occurrences.
Conduct regular assessments of IT infrastructure capacity and performance.
Collaborate with the MSP to forecast future capacity needs and plan for scalability to support organisational growth.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure effective allocation of resources to meet operational goals.
Establish and maintain comprehensive documentation for IT processes, procedures, and configurations.
Promote knowledge sharing with the MSP to ensure a well-informed and skilled workforce.
Identify skill gaps within the business and coordinate training programs to enhance technical capabilities and productivity.
Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies, providing guidance on their potential impact on IT operations.
Generate regular reports on key performance metrics and provide insights to leadership for informed decision-making.
Ensure that IT operations comply with established governance frameworks, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with internal audit teams to conduct periodic assessments of IT controls.
Solicit feedback from end-users and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement in IT services.
Implement user-centric strategies to enhance the overall experience of internal and external users.
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES:
Though the following skills and qualities are recommended, they welcome applicants of all levels to apply.
Proven experience in IT management, with a focus on IT operations and collaboration with MSPs.
Demonstrable knowledge of cyber security and data governance.
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365, Multi Factor Authentication, Single Sign On and JIRA.
Up to date knowledge of current technologies and trends in IT operations.
Experience in vendor management and contract negotiation.
Strong understanding of ITIL processes and best practices.
Excellent leadership and communication skills.
Certifications such as ITIL, PMP, or relevant technical certifications are a plus.
BENEFITS
Staff discount for yourself (50%) and family and friends (30%).
25 days annual leave, additional paid leave options (Nature, Volunteering and Wellness days), and a day off on your birthday!
Personal Scholarship
to spend on personal enrichment. Examples of use would include but are not limited to cooking classes or mountaineering qualifications.
Professional Allowance to spend on external courses and qualifications to help you develop your professional career and learn new skills.
Life insurance policy
Pension plan
An opt-in Healthcare provider and eyecare plan.
Flexible work policies.
Paid attendance to company events within the UK and abroad.
SALARY
Salary is up to £60k depending on skills and experience.