IT Development Manager

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of IT within an established, financially secure international business with a strong track record, a loyal workforce and a genuine team spirit. This company have been our client for 25 years so we know them well.
Based at the company's Head Office in Hatfield, you'll lead the IT function end to end, supporting and driving technology across the UK and international locations. This is a broad, hands-on role offering real autonomy, direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to how the business operates and grows.
With around 45 employees in the UK and smaller teams across the rest of the world, the business offers the variety and responsibility of a senior IT leadership role without the layers of bureaucracy often found in larger organisations.
If you're an experienced IT professional who enjoys combining strategic oversight with practical technical involvement, this could be the ideal next step.
You'll be responsible for the overall IT environment, ensuring systems, infrastructure, applications and security support the needs of the business today while building for the future.
Working closely with colleagues across all departments, the CEO and a range of external technology partners, you will have the freedom to identify improvements, lead projects and implement solutions that deliver real business value.
Your responsibilities will include:
* IT leadership and strategy: Taking ownership of the IT function, setting priorities and ensuring technology aligns with business objectives.
* Infrastructure and cloud services: Managing and developing cloud infrastructure, networks, user environments and core IT systems across multiple locations.
* Business systems and applications: Supporting and improving key business applications, including ERP and e-commerce platforms.
* Development and databases: Applying your technical knowledge of web development, SQL and version control to maintain, troubleshoot and improve existing systems.
* IT security: Managing cyber security, access controls, risk and wider IT security practices across the organisation.
* Projects and continuous improvement: Leading IT projects, modernising systems and finding practical ways to improve efficiency and reliability.
* Supplier and budget management: Managing external providers, negotiating contracts, controlling costs and ensuring value for money.
* International IT support: Ensuring colleagues across the UK and overseas have the technology and support they need to work effectively.
For this role we are looking for an experienced IT Manager with developing experience in PHP and ERP systems, or a senior IT professional ready to take the next step, with the technical breadth, commercial awareness and confidence to run an IT function in a lean, international business.
You are comfortable taking responsibility, solving problems hands-on and making decisions. Equally, you can communicate effectively with non-technical colleagues, manage external suppliers and explain technology decisions to senior leadership.
Essential
* Solid experience as an IT Manager or equivalent senior IT role, ideally with broad ownership in a small or lean team.
* Practical experience with ERP systems (Syspro ideal; other ERP platforms considered, alongside an understanding of supply-chain operations).
* Experience managing and supporting a cloud infrastructure environment (AWS preferred; Azure or GCP also considered).
* Good working knowledge of Windows Active Directory, enterprise networking, and Microsoft 365 and/or Google Workspace (or equivalent collaboration platforms).
* Experience managing IT security across an organisation.
* Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs, and negotiate effectively with suppliers.
* Experience of IT project management.
Desirable
* Direct experience with Syspro ERP (including WMS).
* Strong SQL skills (Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL), and experience with Git-based version control (Bitbucket).
* Firsthand experience with Google Workspace and/or Azure/Entra ID specifically.
* Understanding of supply chain and warehousing operations.
* Experience with Magento (customer-facing e-commerce website).
* Firsthand PHP or web development background.
* Previous experience supporting multi-country or multi-site operations.
* Experience in a small IT team covering a wide range of technologies.
If you live within easy commuting distance of Hatfield, Herts and have a background in IT Manager and strong PHP and ERP system skills, please apply now