Job Description
IT Manager (No direct reports, purely management of services role)South East London (5 days on site)£54,000–£57,000 + 17% pension36 hours per week (8am–4pm, Mon–Fri)Education sector – enhanced DBS will be carried out for the role
The OpportunityMy client is seeking an experienced IT Manager to take ownership of IT service delivery across a multi-site Education environment. This is a pivotal role focused on managing a third-party MSP, driving service excellence, and leading key elements of a forward-thinking IT strategy through to 2030.
You’ll operate as the bridge between technical suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring IT services are reliable, cost-effective, and aligned with organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier & Contract Management
* Act as the primary contact for the managed service provider (MSP), ensuring delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and contractual commitments
* Lead supplier performance reviews and proactively address underperformance
* Support consolidation of multiple IT service contracts into a single provider
* Manage relationships with wider IT suppliers (connectivity, software, AV)
* Oversee procurement of IT services in line with best value principles
Asset & Lifecycle Management
* Maintain accurate IT asset registers across hardware and software
* Track lifecycle, licensing, warranties, and refresh cycles (2–3 years ahead)
* Coordinate asset audits and ensure compliant disposal of equipment
* Provide visibility on infrastructure condition and future replacement costs
IT Planning & Strategy Delivery
* Develop and manage annual hardware/software purchasing plans
* Support delivery of a long-term IT strategy, including Microsoft tenancy consolidation and infrastructure upgrades
* Translate strategic goals into actionable workstreams with clear timelines
* Coordinate site readiness for IT changes across multiple locations
Operational Oversight
* Ensure consistent, high-quality IT support across all sites
* Monitor service desk performance and act as escalation point
* Support onboarding of new sites where required
* Maintain cyber security compliance in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
Governance & Compliance
* Maintain IT policies aligned with legislation and sector guidance
* Ensure compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and security standards
* Work closely with senior stakeholders to support organisational objectives
About You
* Proven experience managing IT services or contracts within a multi-site environment
* Strong MSP management experience, holding providers accountable to performance metrics
* Solid understanding of Microsoft 365 and tenancy structures
* Experience managing IT assets and lifecycle planning at scale
* Knowledge of infrastructure, cyber security, and data protection principles
* Confident communicator able to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders
* Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Desirable: ITIL, PRINCE2/APM or similar certifications, and experience within education or public sector environments.
What’s on Offer
* Generous pension (17% contribution)
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* On-site parking
* Opportunity to play a key role in a major IT transformation programme
This is an excellent opportunity for an IT Manager who enjoys combining strategic oversight with hands-on supplier management in a meaningful, multi-site environment.