IT Manager

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Location: Preston – Hybrid options available

We are looking for a versatile IT Manager to take full ownership of our technology environment. You will be the 'go-to' person for all things tech, bridging the gap between our daily operational needs and our long-term digital growth. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will manage a small team, oversee third‑party vendors, and ensure our Preston site (and remote workers) stays connected and productive.

• Team Leadership:
  Line management of the IT Support team (Helpdesk/Desktop Support). You'll provide mentorship, set clear SLAs, and manage staff development.
• Infrastructure Oversight:
  Monitoring and maintaining the health of on‑premise and cloud servers, storage, and networking hardware.
• Business Applications:
  Act as the internal lead for our core business software (ERP, CRM, and Finance systems), managing updates, user access, and troubleshooting.
• Vendor & Contract Management:
  Managing relationships with ISPs, hardware suppliers, and software vendors to ensure we get the best value and service levels.
• Asset Management:
  Maintaining a full inventory of hardware and software assets, ensuring a clear 'refresh cycle' for laptops, mobiles, and servers.
• Budgeting:
  Planning and managing the annual IT CAPEX and OPEX budgets, providing clear reports to the Board on spend vs. value.

• Microsoft Ecosystem:
  Expert‑level administration of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, One Drive).
• Operating Systems: Comprehensive knowledge of Windows 10/11 and Windows Server ).
• Networking:
  General management of Wi‑Fi access points, switching, and basic routing.
• Virtualization:
  Familiarity with managing virtual environments (e.g., VMware or Hyper‑V).
• Cloud Productivity:
  Managing user identities and groups via Azure AD / Entra .
• Hardware:
  Experience with Dell, HP, or Lenovo hardware and print management solutions.

• Experience:
  
  Proven track record as an IT Manager, Lead Engineer, or IT Operations Lead.
• Communication:
  Exceptional ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical staff and directors.
• Education:
  
  A degree in IT or equivalent professional certifications (MCSE, ITIL, or similar).
• Local Knowledge: A strong understanding of the Preston/North West business landscape is a plus.

Oscar Associates (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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