Systems Design Manager, West Malling, Kent (Hybrid – 1 day WFH) £50,000 to £60,000 (DOE)
Are you an experienced Systems Design or IT Change Manager looking for a new challenge in a growing business? Do you enjoy leading cross-functional teams and improving systems through collaboration and clear communication? Are you confident in translating business needs into well-structured user stories and technical specifications?
If so, this hybrid role based in Kent could be a perfect fit.
We are recruiting for a Systems Design Manager on behalf of a forward-thinking company based in West Malling, Kent. This is a hybrid position with one day per week working from home and free parking on-site.
The successful candidate will report to the IT Director and lead the IT Change function. Managing a team of Business Analysts and Test Analysts. You will be responsible for system improvements, change delivery, testing oversight, and ensuring technical requirements meet business objectives. It’s a varied and rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on project ownership, team leadership, and business process improvement.
What you will be doing:
As Systems Design Manager, you will:
* Lead the IT Change team, managing both Business and Test Analysts
* Oversee the design and testing of the company’s bespoke internal systems
* Own the system roadmap and ensure change aligns with business strategy
* Gather and analyse requirements, facilitate workshops, and create user stories
* Translate user stories into technical specifications for the development team
* Manage and improve internal testing processes – including beta testing and documentation
* Participate in out-of-hours implementation testing (once a week on a rota)
* Produce clear documentation, including project plans, roadmaps, test cases, and manuals
* Provide input into system architecture and ensure design supports business processes
* Support internal system admin tasks and occasional IT support queries (training provided)
What we are looking for:
* You will be a natural communicator with a methodical, delivery-focused approach. We’re looking for someone who can:
* Lead change management and systems design in a complex environment
* Manage both people and processes with confidence and empathy
* Create and review technical documentation and test plans
* Demonstrate experience with Agile, Waterfall, or Kanban methodologies
* Collaborate with stakeholders across all levels of the business
* Show strong knowledge of the software development lifecycle
* Use tools like Visio, Excel, and Azure DevOps (or similar platforms)
Bonus points if you have experience with:
* SQL, C#, or knowledge of the mortgage or financial services sector
* Classic ASP or Java (not essential)
* Experience creating ERDs, test scripts, or procedure documentation
Key skills & attributes:
* Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
* High attention to detail and accuracy
* Strong leadership and team motivation skills
* Adaptability to change and the ability to stay calm under pressure
* Clear written and verbal communication style (plain English preferred)
* Organised, proactive, and realistic with deadlines
Why this role?
This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to join a supportive, dynamic company that values input, invests in its people, and embraces change.
Benefits include:
* Annual discretionary bonus
* AXA-backed private healthcare (post-probation)
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* 4% employer pension contributions
* Black-tie winter party and summer team-building events
* Monthly dress-down Fridays
* CPD support and training
* Free parking
* Friendly, inclusive workplace culture
If you are ready to lead meaningful change, work closely with senior stakeholders, and develop a team in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.