Job Description:

IT Manager (Hands-On Infrastructure & Operations)

£40,000 - £45,000 + Benefits
Southport / Widnes / Knowsley | Office Based | Manufacturing

Own the IT Function. Drive Improvement. Make a Difference.

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, privately owned manufacturing business looking for a hands-on IT Manager to take ownership of their entire IT operation.

This isn't a role where you'll spend your days managing people or sitting in meetings. Instead, you'll be the technical lead, trusted adviser and go-to person for everything IT, working closely with senior leadership while supporting users across manufacturing, warehouse and office environments.

Supporting around 230 employees (approximately 180 IT users) across multiple UK sites and an overseas operation, you'll enjoy genuine autonomy, varied project work and the opportunity to influence the future direction of technology within the business.

Working alongside a trusted Managed Service Provider and specialist technology partners, you'll oversee infrastructure, security, projects and day-to-day operational support while ensuring IT continues to enable business growth.

What You'll Be Doing

• Taking full ownership of the company's IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations.
• Managing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
• Supporting Windows Server, Active Directory, networking and security.
• Managing backups, disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Working with external MSPs and technology vendors to deliver projects and resolve technical issues.
• Supporting users across office, warehouse and manufacturing environments.
• Leading infrastructure upgrades, hardware refreshes and technology improvements.
• Managing endpoint security and cyber security best practice.
• Supporting business systems and reporting where required.
• Acting as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

You'll be someone who enjoys variety and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up.

You'll likely have experience in roles such as:

IT Manager

Infrastructure Manager

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

IT Operations Manager

Technical Services Manager

Senior Systems Engineer

You'll ideally have experience with:

Microsoft 365

Azure

Active Directory

Windows Server

Networking, firewalls and switching

Backup and disaster recovery

Endpoint security

Hardware support

Vendor and supplier management

Supporting users in a manufacturing or operational environment

The Person

This role would suit someone who:

• Enjoys owning an IT environment rather than working in a large corporate team.
• Can comfortably communicate with everyone from shop floor users through to senior leadership.
• Is commercially minded and enjoys solving business problems with technology.
• Is equally happy delivering infrastructure projects and resolving day-to-day technical issues.
• Can build strong relationships with external technology partners and suppliers.
• Takes pride in delivering excellent customer service across the business.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a stable, successful business where IT is recognised as a key business function rather than simply a support service.

You'll have genuine ownership, broad technical exposure, varied project work and the opportunity to shape the future technology roadmap while working in an environment where your contribution will have a visible impact.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, business engagement and real autonomy, we'd love to hear from you.

Interface Recruitment has specialised in IT and technology recruitment for over 20 years. We welcome applications from experienced IT professionals looking for their next challenge.