Robert Half have been engaged on an exclusive basis by a growing pharmaceutical research business in the East Cheshire area. My client is looking to recruit a Group IT Manager on a permanent basis in a newly created position within the organisation. The role provides full IT security and technical oversight of the IT responsibilities as needed across the group entities. Including Europe and the USA to support the company's activities and requirements.Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the company's IT strategy and policy.
• Oversee the administration and performance of all core systems, working closely with external providers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Aligning IT infrastructure with current and future business requirements in line with company's strategic goals.
• Maintain the IT risk register and ensure comprehensive documentation of all systems, including the Datawarehouse.
• Test and validate data recovery procedures for disaster recovery scenarios.
• Work towards and maintain relevant accreditations such as Cyber Essentials and IASME

Strategic Planning:

• Lead strategic IT planning and advise the CFO, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and management on safeguarding the company's IT infrastructure and security.
• Help set the company's strategic IT direction by evaluating new technologies and tools, leading transformation initiatives and defining aligned objectives.
• Liaise with external IT providers/suppliers to develop policies, best practices, and workflows for approval by the CFO/ELT and lead their implementation.
• Support the company and employees with IT change management projects to strengthen IT security and business growth.
• Scope out and implement stress testing of systems, processes and controls, providing recommendations for CFO/ELT to implement into business continuity plans. .

Reporting:

• Monitor an effective control environment and maintain strong IT data.
• Provide regular reports with recommended solutions to CFO/ELT.

Process, Policy & Procedures:

• Manage IT spend, support budgeting, and advise on IT investment decisions.
• Manage all IT systems to ensure they are compliant and used effectively.
• Enhance existing IT processes and controls, and implement new ones as required in conjunction with the CFO/ELT.
• Develop and implement all necessary IT procedures with the IT function.
• Review, update and maintain IT policies and standard operating procedures, updating or developing new ones as required.

General:

• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in IT and regulations/legislation.
• Ensure compliance with all existing IT regulation requirements including GDPR etc., accreditations (Cyber Essentials, IASME).
• Advise and guide CFO/ELT/employees on the impact of prospective new IT/Cyber regulations legislation, security, updates, and developments in best practice

Experience required:

• Preferably minimum of five years' experience in a standalone IT Manager role within a growing SME (c.£10-30m turnover), including but not limited to:
• planning, designing, developing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining IT systems (required).
• Setting up systems and controls from scratch.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Azure AD, SharePoint, Intune, and other cloud-based tools.
• Strong understanding of GDPR, IT risk management, and business continuity.
• Managing IT budgets and negotiating with suppliers.
• SQL knowledge/experience (desirable).
• AI knowledge/experience (desirable).
• Experience of acquisitions onboarding and integration (desirable).

Salary/package:

• Up to £60,000 basic salary
• Bonus scheme - up to 10%
• 10% non-contributory pension scheme

Logistics:

• Role to be based on site as standard - some hybrid flexibility can be offered.

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