IT Manager

Role purpose

IT Manager is an integral role at the UK’s leading Social Enterprise Management Consultancy and B-Corp, working as part of the operations team to enable organisational productivity, business performance and social impact through effective and secure technology.

This is a hands-on, standalone IT role responsible for overseeing all aspects of IT across the organisation. The IT Manager will ensure that systems, infrastructure, and support services are reliable, secure, and fit for purpose, while also driving continuous improvement and digital innovation.

The role includes managing the relationship with PPL’s external IT providers, acting as the internal lead for all IT matters, and ensuring that technology effectively supports a growing, dynamic consultancy environment.

Key responsibilities

IT Management

• Develop and implement an IT strategy aligned with organisational goals, growth plans, and operational needs.

• Act as the lead point of contact for all IT-related matters across the organisation.

• Manage and maintain relationships with external IT providers, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective support and service delivery.

• Oversee IT infrastructure, systems, and tools to ensure reliability, performance, and scalability.

• Active management of all internal platforms, including relationships with providers, contract and cost management.

• Identify opportunities for digital improvement, automation, and innovation to enhance productivity and collaboration.

• Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning, ensuring appropriate systems and processes are in place.

• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on IT investments, risks, and opportunities.

IT Administration

• Oversight of PPL's day-to-day interaction with our outsourced IT services provider

• Act as the outsourced provider’s point of contact and coordinate activities

• Outsourced activities include:

  • Administer user accounts, access permissions, and security settings across all platforms.

  • Onboarding and off-boarding from an IT perspective (equipment setup, system access, deactivation).

  • Monitor system performance and resolve issues in a timely manner, liaising with external providers where needed.

  • Ensure all systems are regularly updated, patched, and maintained.

  • Develop and maintain IT documentation, including processes, user guides, and system configurations. Provide responsive first-line support for staff, troubleshooting issues and escalating where appropriate.

  • Implement and monitor cybersecurity measures, including antivirus, firewalls, and threat detection.

• Manage day-to-day IT operations, ensuring all systems, hardware, and software function effectively.

• Manage Enterprise AI accounts, including access, data security and usage monitoring.

• Maintain accurate IT asset registers, including laptops, software licences, and equipment.

• Coordinate procurement of IT equipment and services, ensuring value for money and standardisation.

• Ensure robust IT security practices are in place, including data protection, access controls, and device security.

IT Security and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection and information security standards.

• Deliver staff training and guidance on IT security, data protection, and best practice.

• Manage risks relating to data security, system access, and third-party providers.

• Support audits and ensure appropriate controls and documentation are in place.

User experience

• Ensure all staff have access to the tools and systems they need to work effectively.

• Support and optimise core business systems (e.g. collaboration tools, CRM, project management platforms).

• Gather user feedback and continuously improve the IT experience across the organisation.

• Support remote and hybrid working through effective and secure technology solutions.

• Deliver training and guidance to staff on systems and tools to maximise adoption and efficiency.

Core Competencies

Essential criteria

• Proven experience in an IT management or senior IT support role, ideally in a standalone role.

• Strong technical knowledge across IT infrastructure, systems, and support.

• Experience managing third-party IT providers and external vendors.

• Ability to develop and implement IT systems, processes, and improvements.

• Experience working with cloud services, including azure, and ensuring security, compliance and cost monitoring.

• Good understanding of cybersecurity principles and data protection (including GDPR).

• Experience supporting organisational growth and change, including scaling systems and processes.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.

• High level of reliability, discretion, and attention to detail.

• Confident working independently and taking ownership of the in-house IT function.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working in a consultancy, social enterprise, or purpose-driven organisation.

• Experience of designing and implementing AI enabled workflows/agents, to support internal operations.

• Experience supporting organisational growth and change.

• Experience supporting remote/hybrid teams

• ITIL Service management credentials; internal management of tickets, SLAs, prioritisation; potential input into future management of external products and services that are used externally.

• Knowledge of IT compliance frameworks or certifications (eg ISO 27001)