IT Manager (UK only - Hybrid/Brighton)

The IT Manager at FuturLab is responsible for optimizing the workflow of a hybrid team of over 100 team members by implementing cybersecurity best practices, monitoring the tech infrastructure, managing IT operations, and aligning IT activities with business goals through strategic planning. Moreover, this role involves overseeing IT tickets, managing external vendor relationships, and ensuring the team's technology needs are consistently met, making it a dynamic role with a variety of responsibilities.

To be successful as an IT Manager at FuturLab, candidates should have a strong background in IT systems management, excellent communication skills for effectively working with technical and non-technical staff, and experience with VMWare, cybersecurity best practices, and IT administration under standards like ISO 27001 or SOC2. Additionally, familiarity with cloud environments like Azure AD and experience in budget management are essential qualifications to ensure the successful alignment of IT projects with business objectives.

As an IT Manager at FuturLab, a typical workweek includes three days at the Hove office focusing on overseeing the studio's tech infrastructure, conducting hands-on IT support when necessary, and collaborating closely with various teams to manage IT operations efficiently. The role also requires proactive monitoring of network performance, managing vendor relationships, and engaging in strategic planning to enhance IT services, all while enjoying a hybrid work setup.

Absolutely! The IT Manager at FuturLab can enjoy an extensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, bi-annual salary reviews, ample annual leave, paid training days, a flexible working environment, private healthcare, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and regular social activities that foster a vibrant workplace culture. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our perks!

The IT Manager at FuturLab ensures cybersecurity compliance by implementing and promoting cybersecurity best practices across the organization, conducting regular audits of the tech infrastructure, managing system backups, and maintaining data integrity. This role is crucial for fostering a culture of security awareness within the team and translating business needs into technical requirements, thus protecting the studio's assets effectively.

When discussing your experience with managing IT operations, focus on specific instances where you developed and implemented efficient processes. Share examples that highlight your project management skills, such as overseeing IT support ticketing systems or coordinating with third-party vendors. Emphasize your ability to align IT operations with business objectives and discuss the outcomes of your efforts.

To effectively answer this question, provide examples of specific cybersecurity challenges you've faced in the past. Include your methods for identifying vulnerabilities, the processes you put in place for cybersecurity training, and any technologies you implemented to mitigate risks. Employers appreciate a proactive attitude towards security and a commitment to continuous learning in this ever-evolving field.

A great way to showcase your communication skills is by outlining your strategy for bridging the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Discuss the importance of active listening, adjusting your communication style based on your audience, and using clear and concise language. Mention the tools you might use for collaboration and how you keep everyone informed during projects.

When asked about process improvements, think of a successful initiative where you identified inefficiencies, proposed a solution, and led the implementation. Describe the steps you took, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes that resulted from your efforts. A results-oriented approach will impress interviewers.

Illustrate your experience with managing IT budgets by discussing your previous roles where you were responsible for tracking expenses and allocating resources. Be specific about any budget management tools you used, how you monitored costs throughout projects, and the strategies you employed to ensure projects were completed on budget.

When supporting your claim to be current with emerging technologies, mention your commitment to continuous learning through attending workshops, online courses, or industry conferences. Cite specific resources such as blogs, podcasts, or forums you follow, and discuss how you’ve applied any new knowledge to your work.

Share the tools and software that you are proficient in, emphasizing their relevance to the IT Manager role. Discuss popular IT management systems or monitoring tools you have utilized and how they helped you streamline operations. Demonstrate your knowledge of software that aligns with project management, network monitoring, and helpdesk management.

In answering this question, discuss your approach to cultivating relationships with vendors. Highlight your experience in negotiating contracts, assessing vendor performance, and ensuring they deliver on their commitments. Use examples of how effective vendor management led to improved technology solutions or reduced costs.

An impactful way to answer this question is to share a specific example of a successful disaster recovery plan. Outline the steps you took to develop the plan, conduct tests, and ensure all stakeholders were aware of their roles. Discuss any initial challenges and how you overcame them, and the benefits this brought to your previous organization.

When it comes to prioritizing IT support tickets, emphasize the importance of assessing the urgency and impact of each issue. Discuss any ticketing systems you’ve used that help categorize tickets by priority, and share your process for addressing high-priority issues first while ensuring timely resolution for others. This shows a structured and proactive approach to IT support.