Salford
IT Manager\n\nLocation: Manchester (Onsite)Department: ITSalary: £30k to £40k depending on experienceCompany DescriptionUK Management College (UKMC) is a growing higher‑education provider offering a range of business‑focused and professional programmes. Our focus is on delivering practical, career‑driven education that prepares students for real opportunities in industry. We work with experienced academics, established professionals, and industry partners to ensure our courses remain relevant, supportive, and high‑quality. UKMC is looking to recruit an IT Manager to join their IT Team.Essential\nMinimum 4+ years’ experience in IT management or a senior IT role within a multi-site organisation. \nStrong expertise in cloud environments, particularly Microsoft Intune and Microsoft 365. \nProven experience in IT staff management, including performance management and PDPs. \nExperience managing cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., Cyber Essentials). \nStrong understanding of UK data protection regulations. \nExperience supporting or working alongside Student Information Systems. \nExcellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. \nGood understanding of Programming, API integration, and database structure to manage the development of in-house CRM \nSolid understanding of the network experience working with Ubiquiti Desirable\nExperience in higher education or academic environments. \nFamiliarity with Tribal EBS or similar IS platforms.\nExperience managing offshore or distributed teams. \nKnowledge of AV systems and IT lab environments.Qualifications\nMinimum Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).\nRelevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft , ITIL, CISSP) are desirable.\nKey Competencies Leadership and people management\nStrategic thinking and planning \nCommunication and stakeholder engagement\nProblem-solving and decision-making\nRisk and compliance management\nWorking Relationships\nInternal: Senior Leadership Team, Academic Staff, SIS Team, Administrative Departments\nExternal: Partner Universities, IT Vendors, Regulatory BodiesAdditional Information\nTravel between campuses may be required.\nFlexibility to respond to critical IT incidents outside normal working hours. Key Responsibilities1. IT Operations & Infrastructure Management\nOversee day-to-day IT operations across all UKMC campuses (Manchester, Derby, Newcastle) and offshore teams in Bangladesh.\nManage and maintain a Microsoft Intune-based full cloud environment.\nEnsure high availability, performance, and security of IT systems, networks, and services.\nSupport and maintain IT labs and AV equipment across campuses.2. Cybersecurity & Compliance\nMaintain and enhance Cyber Essentials certification compliance.\nImplement and monitor IT security policies, including device restrictions and access controls.\nEnsure compliance with UK data protection regulations, including UK GDPR and institutional policies.\nLead incident response and risk mitigation strategies.3. IT Strategy & Planning\nDevelop and implement IT strategies aligned with UKMC’s academic and operational goals.\nLead IT budget planning, forecasting, and cost optimisation initiatives.\nEvaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and business operations.4. Policy Development & Governance\nDesign, implement, and review IT policies (e.g., dataprotection, acceptable use, device management).\nEnsure governance frameworks are in place and adhered toacross all locations.\nConduct regular audits and compliance checks.5. Stakeholder Engagement\nAct as the primary IT contact for senior leadership and key stakeholders.\nCommunicate IT strategy, risks, and performance effectively to non-technical audiences.\nCollaborate with partner universities to ensure alignment of IT services and standards.6. Team Leadership & Development\nLead and manage a distributed IT team of approximately 300 staff, including offshore personnel.\nDrive performance management, training, and professional development.\nFoster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.7. Vendor & Service Management\nManage third-party vendors, service providers, and technology partners.\nNegotiate contracts and ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met