The Heart of England Co-operative Society is seeking an experienced and dynamic IT Manager to join our Shared Services division. This is a pivotal role, driving IT operations, leading transformative change initiatives, and developing high-performing teams. As an IT Manager, you will align IT capabilities with organisational goals, fostering technological innovation and delivering measurable business value.

Your Role 

Reporting to the Head of IT, you will:

• Develop and execute IT strategies in collaboration with leadership.
• Oversee IT operations, including network management, system administration, and support.
• Design and implement new IT systems and solutions.
• Manage and mentor IT staff, fostering professional growth.
• Lead IT projects to ensure timely delivery aligned with business goals.
• Ensure compliance with IT policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with department heads to understand and address their IT needs.
• Provide comprehensive reports on IT performance, security, and infrastructure.
• Identify risks, propose mitigations, and maintain accurate project documentation.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field.
• ITIL Foundation or higher.
• PMP, CSM, or PMI certification in Project Management (desirable).

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience of leading an IT operations team or similar.
• Proven track record in managing IT projects and delivering IT change. 
• Strong technical expertise in networking, infrastructure, and security.
• Experience in retail environments and familiarity with Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Experience within a Retail environment (desirable).
• Experience in both Waterfall and Agile project delivery.  
• Proven experience in managing cybersecurity practices to align with best practices. 
• Stakeholder engagement/management - Proven experience in dealing with customers/users and establishing long term client relationships demonstrating the use of excellent inter-personal skills.  

Desirable Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of networking, infrastructure, and security. 

• Leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  

• Strong attention to detail . 

• Ability to communicate clearly, with the ability to explain technical details to a non-technical audience.  

Key Attributes:

• Driven, proactive, and customer-focused.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Passionate about new technologies and comfortable working on legacy systems.
• Calm and effective under pressure with a hands-on approach.
• Strong passion for building robust systems and processes. 
• Enjoys working in an agile environment .  
• Able to deliver to tight deadlines.     

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the IT landscape of a respected organisation. You will have the chance to innovate, lead a talented team, and make a lasting impact.

INDLP