My client is a growing technology organisation which focuses on providing innovative software solutions to streamline complexities, automate repetitive tasks, and enhances productivity.

They are seeking an experience IT manager who specialize in Microsoft and third party systems to oversee the management of their IT systems. You will also be leading a team of IT professionals, managing vendor relationships, as well as ensuring the efficient and secure operation of their technology infrastructure.

Responsibilities:

• Microsoft Systems Administration: Overseeing the administration of Microsoft technologies, such as Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange Server, SQL Server and Sharepoint, ensuring the stability, security and performance of these systems through proactive monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Third Party System Administration: Managing the administration of third-party applications and systems, which are critical to their business operations (e.g. ERP and CRM systems, collaboration tools, cybersecurity solutions etc.). You will also be collaborating with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure system configuration is fully optimized as much as possible, as well as resolving issues and implementing upgrades.
• Vendor Management: Developing and maintaining strong relationships with technology vendors and service providers. You will also be negotiating contracts, SLA's, as well as pricing, to ensure cost-effective solutions that meet their needs, and monitoring vendor performance, resolving disputes, as well as driving continuous improvement throughout service delivery.
• Team leadership: Leading and mentoring a team of IT professionals, including system administrators, network engineers and support staff. You will also be providing guidance, training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities, as well as creating a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Strategic planning: Working closely with senior management in developing IT strategies, roadmaps and budgets that are aligned to business objectives, alongside identifying opportunities to leverage technology for competitive advantage, improving operational efficiency, as well as mitigating cybersecurity risks.
• Security and Compliance: Implementing and enforcing IT security policies, procedures, and controls to protect data and systems from cyber threats and regulatory compliance requirements. Also staying updated on industry best practices and emerging threats to keep enhancing security posture.
• Project management: Overseeing IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, as well as according to specifications. Also coordinating resources, managing risks, and communicate progress/updates to stakeholders, to thoroughly ensure successful project outcomes.
• Technical support: Being a point of escalation for complex technical issues, as well as providing hands-on-support whenever needed. Collaborating extensively with the IT support team to ensure timely resolution of user requests and incidents, whilst also maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

Qualifications and experience

• At least five years of proven experience in IT management roles, with a primary focus on Microsoft systems administration, third party application support and administration, alongside vendor management.
• Be very technically proficient in Microsoft technologies, such as Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange Server, SQL Server, and SharePoint.
• Have experience managing third party applications, such as ERP and CRM systems, alongside cybersecurity solutions.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating vendor contracts, managing vendor relationships, as well as optimizing vendor performance.
• Possessing excellent leadership and team building skills, having the ability to motivate and develop high performing teams.
• Have a solid understanding of IT security principles, complains requirements, and risk management practices.
• Have project management experience, including planning, execution and stakeholder communication.
• Be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, having the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders as effectively as possible.
• Possess relevant certifications, such as Azure Administration Associate, Azure Solutions Architect, or ITIL certifications (desirable but not essential).
• Have a bachelor's degree in information technology (IT), Computer Science, or similar field.