Senior IT Manager / Head of IT UK

Bishop Auckland

£70,000 – £80,000

Are you an experienced IT leader who thrives on building teams, driving change and making a genuine impact on a business?

What if your next role gave you the opportunity to do more than simply manage an IT department? To shape its future, influence key decisions and build a team and technology function that you’re genuinely proud of?

We’re working with an established, international manufacturing business looking for a senior IT leader to take ownership of its UK IT operations.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing people together, challenging existing approaches and implementing meaningful improvements.

You’ll have the opportunity to put your own stamp on the department. From developing your team to shaping the technology roadmap and introducing new ways of working, you’ll have the influence to make a lasting difference.

The opportunity

You’ll take responsibility for IT across two UK manufacturing sites, leading an established team and working closely with senior stakeholders in the UK and internationally.

People leadership will be at the heart of your role.

You’ll inherit a team with different strengths, personalities and ways of working. Your challenge will be to bring everyone together, create a shared purpose and develop a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

You’ll have the freedom to assess what’s working, identify what needs to change and shape a department equipped for the future.

Alongside this, you’ll play a pivotal role in modernising technology, ensuring IT is seen as a genuine business partner rather than simply a support function.

What will you be doing?

• Leading, developing and inspiring your team. Building relationships, recognising potential, managing performance and creating an environment where people feel supported and motivated.

• Shaping the future of IT. Reviewing existing structures, technologies and processes to develop a clear roadmap for improvement and investment.

• Driving meaningful change. Leading transformation initiatives, challenging existing approaches and implementing solutions that make a tangible difference.

• Improving business-critical systems. Working with manufacturing and operational teams to develop ERP capabilities, improve integrations and streamline processes.

• Providing senior technical leadership. Overseeing IT infrastructure, architecture, cyber security, business applications and service delivery.

• Exploring new opportunities. Identifying where AI, automation and emerging technologies could improve efficiency and productivity.

What are we looking for?

First and foremost, we’re looking for a strong, experienced people leader.

Someone who knows how to get the best out of individuals, bring different personalities together and guide a team through change. You’ll be comfortable having difficult conversations, but equally passionate about coaching, mentoring and developing people.

You’ll also need the technical credibility and commercial awareness to influence decisions at a senior level.

To be considered, you’ll need:

• A background within manufacturing. You’ll understand the demands of manufacturing, the importance of operational continuity and how technology supports production.

• Proven senior IT leadership experience. You’ll have managed and developed technical teams, ideally across multiple locations, improving performance and ways of working.

• Strong ERP experience. Experience overseeing ERP improvements, integrations, upgrades or system developments. Knowledge of Epicor Kinetic would be advantageous.

• Experience delivering change. You’ll have improved IT functions, implemented new technologies or led teams through transformation.

• Broad technical expertise. Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, architecture, Microsoft technologies, networking, cyber security and system integrations.

·        There will be occasional travel to a second UK site, so a driving licence is required.

Why consider this opportunity?

Because this is a role where you can genuinely make your mark.

You’re not being brought in simply to maintain the status quo.

You’ll join a business that recognises the importance of strong IT leadership and evolving its technology function to meet future demands.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop people, influence the department’s direction, introduce new ideas and shape how IT supports an international manufacturing organisation.

For more information and a full job description, please contact Andy Clarke at The ONE Group.