IT Manager

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Job title: IT Manager

Hours: 37.5

Location: Support Office

Salary: up to £45,000  

Horizon is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking IT Manager to take on a newly created role at the heart of our organisation. This is a unique opportunity to shape and develop the future of IT at Horizon, while also remaining closely connected to day-to-day operations.

This is a true hybrid role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You will not only define and drive our IT roadmap, but also roll up your sleeves to support users, build and deploy equipment, and resolve technical queries where needed.

The Trust:

Horizon Leisure Centres is a leisure trust operating since 1997, with centres in Waterlooville, Havant and Guildford. We are passionate about health and wellbeing and are committed to making an outstanding positive impact on our customers and within our local community. Our mission is to support and inspire our local communities to live healthier and happier lives by providing affordable access to sport and leisure facilities to all.

The Role:

As Horizon’s IT lead, you will:

• Develop and deliver our IT strategy and digital transformation plans

• Manage and hold accountable our outsourced IT provider

• Lead on cyber security, infrastructure, and systems development

• Provide hands-on support, including laptop builds, user setup, and troubleshooting

• Act as the go-to IT expert across the organisation

Champion new technologies, including AI, to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Growth & Opportunity

As a newly established position, this role offers significant scope to grow and evolve over time. As Horizon continues its digital journey, there will be opportunities to:

• Expand the breadth and influence of the role

• Shape how IT supports wider organisational strategy

• Introduce new systems, capabilities, and innovations

• Potentially build and develop additional IT resource in the future

Your Experience

Essential:

• Previously worked in a small to medium organisation with multiple locations

• Demonstrated experience of managing and directing outsourced IT services

• Experience leading IT change and delivering complex projects

• Experience supporting and training non-technical users

Desirable:

• Experience working in a charity, not-for-profit, or leisure sector setting

• Experience with AI technologies in business applications

• Familiarity with telecoms procurement and contract management

• Experience supporting data protection and GDPR compliance

• Creating Power BI Dashboards for useful insights

Your Qualifications

• Recognised IT qualification, degree or equivalent professional experience

• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cyber security, and networks

• Microsoft certified desirable

• ITIL certification desirable

• Certification in project management (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile)

Your Competencies & Skills

• Competent in IT infrastructure administration and Microsoft technologies (essential)

• Positive, proactive can-do attitude

• Power BI or similar reporting tools (desirable)

• Empowered to make innovative changes as appropriate and independently

• Excellent, confident and respectful communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with trustees, senior managers, and frontline staff

• Ability to work to strict deadlines and prioritise under pressure

• Highly motivated, ambitious and passionate

• Able to work alone and as part of the team

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• A flexible, proactive approach to work

• Dynamic, logical, organised approach to problem solving

• Transparent, consistent and accurate presentation skills

• Critical thinking and good analytical skills

• Exercises good judgement, using own initiative and strong decision-making skills

Why Join Us?

• Build and shape a function from the ground up

• Combine strategic influence with practical, hands-on work

• Play a key role in a values-driven organisation making a real difference

Benefits: 

• Free access to our award-winning gym’s and exercise classes for you and a +1

• Employee discounts and wellbeing platform

• Healthcare Cash plan

• Free 24/7 access to GPs using our SmartHealth plan

• Employee Assistance Programme - support for when you need it most

• 23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday

• Internal recognition schemes

• Opportunities for training, development and progression

• Free onsite parking - subject to availability

• Hybrid and family friendly policies

• Generous company sick pay scheme

• Employee referral scheme

• Company pension scheme

• Death in service benefit

• And much more....

This role will be based at Havant but will be expected to travel to other company site as the need requires. 

Interview Process: 

The recruiting manager will review your CV and if shortlisted, you will be invited to a formal interview/assessment process where we will evaluate your suitability for the role.

There may be times when due to the volume of applicants to need to close a vacancy early to avoid disappointment, be sure to get your application in as soon as possible!

If you are a recruitment agency, please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.

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• Support Office