Senior IT Manager

1000heads is a Social Transformation™ company, helping global brands adapt to rapid and continual shifts in media, technology and culture. We combine data & analytics, strategy, technology and creativity to build brands for the Social Age, working from offices across the UK, Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific.

We're looking for an accomplished IT Manager to be based in our London office and to have ownership of day-to-day IT support across our global offices, supervising a global team of 3 support engineers.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior IT Manager owns 1000heads' technology, from laptops and SaaS tools to security and compliance. You'll lead a team of three engineers and be the go-to person for how technology supports the business.

This is a hands-on manager role. You'll set direction and manage the team, but you'll also roll up your sleeves on escalations, projects and supplier work. It suits someone who has run an IT function in a fast-moving, people-first business and wants to shape the next stage.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Team leadership

• Line manage, coach and develop a team of 3 IT engineers, including objectives, 1:1s and performance reviews.
• Set team priorities, workload and on-call or cover arrangements across offices.
• Build a culture of ownership, good documentation and friendly, fast support.

IT operations and service

• Own the IT support function, including SLAs, ticket quality and user satisfaction.
• Manage the device lifecycle: procurement, setup, MDM, repairs and secure disposal.
• Run identity and access management, joiners, movers and leavers, and SaaS administration (e.g. Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, Slack).
• Keep office networks, Wi-Fi, AV and meeting rooms working reliably.

Security and compliance

• Own the information security programme, including endpoint protection, MFA, patching and backups.
• Lead ISO 27001 and GDPR compliance, audits and client security questionnaires.
• Run incident response and business continuity planning.
• Deliver security awareness training for all staff.

Strategy, budget and suppliers

• Build and deliver an IT roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Own the IT budget and track software, hardware and licence spend.
• Manage suppliers and contracts, and review tools for value and overlap.
• Advise leadership on new technology, including safe and effective use of AI tools.

Group Integration & Alignment

• Liaison with Group Tech, IT and Operational leads to ensure integration of software and tools, where required.
• Bridging communications across 1000heads Executive team and Group Tech, IT and Operational leads.

Requirements

Essential

• 6+ years in IT, with at least 2 years leading or managing a small team.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365, including admin and identity (e.g Entra ID).
• Experience managing macOS and Windows fleets with MDM (e.g. Jamf, Hexnode).
• Working knowledge of networking, Wi-Fi, firewalls and cloud backups.
• Practical experience with security frameworks such as ISO 27001 and GDPR.
• Confident managing budgets, suppliers and contracts.
• Clear communicator who can explain technical topics to non-technical colleagues and senior leaders.
• Comfortable attending our amazing Soho office 4 days a week.

Desirable

• Experience in an agency, creative or professional services business.
• Supporting teams across multiple countries or offices.
• Scripting or automation skills (e.g. PowerShell, Python, Bash).
• Relevant certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, CISM or vendor admin certifications.
• Experience rolling out and governing AI tools in the workplace.

Benefits

• 20 days' holiday during each holiday year. Additional holiday day added every year of service until 27 days. Plus 8 public holidays.
• Additional 4 days leave during the Xmas/New year festive shutdown period
• Birthday lie-in
• Subsidised gym membership
• BUPA cover after a successful probation
• Company Pension Scheme
• Personal development fund (£500 per year)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye test and £50 towards glasses if they are for VDU use
• Regular company socials/away days,
• Free regular breakfasts and Thursday drinks
• Flexible hybrid working