ADVANCE is seeking an experienced IT Manager to take full ownership of our internal technology operations and act as the strategic bridge between the business and our external Managed Service Provider (MSP).
While our MSP remains responsible for core infrastructure and cybersecurity, this role introduces essential internal leadership.
You will provide day-to-day support, drive operational efficiency through automation, and ensure our technology stack aligns with our ambitious growth plans. This is a "hands-on" role ideal for someone who enjoys both technical problem-solving and high-level strategy.
Purpose Of The Role
- Strategic Ownership & Accountability: To serve as the internal "Head of Tech," providing a single point of accountability for all IT operations, ensuring systems are resilient, compliant, and aligned with business goals.
- Bridge the MSP Gap: To act as a technically-literate intermediary between ADVANCE and the external Managed Service Provider, ensuring technical projects are delivered on time and service levels remain high.
- Enhance Operational Continuity: To provide immediate, on-site technical support and hardware management, reducing downtime and ensuring staff remain productive and equipped.
- Drive Digital Transformation: To identify and implement automation and system integrations that replace manual processes, directly contributing to the business’s scalability and efficiency.
- Safeguard Business Data: To uphold the highest standards of data security and governance, ensuring the business remains compliant with UK GDPR and protected against evolving cyber threats.
- Future-Proof the Infrastructure: To proactively advise the Managing Director and leadership team on emerging technologies and infrastructure requirements, ensuring the business is never limited by its technical capabilities.
Operational IT & Support
- User Support: Provide first-class, day-to-day technical support across hardware, software, and bespoke business systems and phone systems.
- Lifecycle Management: Manage the full employee lifecycle, including hardware procurement, provisioning (laptops/mobiles), and secure offboarding.
- Asset Management: Maintain an accurate register of all IT assets, software licences, and hardware warranties.
- Policy & Compliance: Develop and enforce internal IT policies, ensuring alignment with GDPR and data protection standards.
MSP & Vendor Management
- Liaison: Act as the primary point of escalation and contact for the external MSP.
- SLA Oversight: Monitor MSP performance against agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure value for money and technical excellence.
- Security Coordination: Work with the MSP to implement security patches, manage firewalls, and maintain Cyber Essentials (or equivalent) certification and acquire other certifications such as ISO:27001.
Business Systems & Digital Transformation
- Process Improvement: Review internal workflows to identify bottlenecks and implement automation across internal systems to optimise performance and efficiency
- Data Integrity: working with our data analyst to ensure data flows between systems seamless.
- Project Delivery: Lead technology-led projects, from initial scoping and stakeholder management to final implementation and staff training.
Strategy & Planning
- Roadmapping: Collaborate with the Managing Director and the wider leadership team to develop an IT strategy that supports business scalability.
- Budgeting: Manage the IT budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities through licence rationalisation or vendor negotiation.
- Innovation: Research and implement emerging technologies (such as AI-driven workflows) to maintain a competitive edge.
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in an IT Coordination or IT Management role.
- Microsoft Certifications (e.g., MS-900, MS-102, or AZ-104).
Proven experience in a UK-based business environment with a solid understanding of GDPR
Desirable:
- ITIL Foundation certification (v3 or v4) for Service Management.
Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. - Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2 or Agile).
- Experience in achieving/maintaining Cyber Essentials Plus.
- ADVANCE Rewards – discounts on shops, cinema tickets, gym memberships etc
- Dress down Fridays
- Salary sacrifice EV scheme (OctopusEV / LoveElectric)
- Subsidised Café (50% off)
- Company pension (People’s Pension)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays and your Birthday off
- Purchase additional holidays (up to 3 days)
- Genuine road maps for progression offered.
To register your interest in the role, please send your CV to vacancies@advance.online or fill out an enquiry form.
