Interim IT Manager

Job Title: Interim IT Manager
Location: Huddersfield - 5 days per week
Duration: 6 months
Day Rate: £500 to £550 (Inside IR35)

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced, proactive and hands on technically Interim IT Manager to lead and support the IT function during a critical transitional period. This 6-month assignment will involve not only maintaining continuity of service but also conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current IT environment and leading the initial phases of remediation and improvement.

You must be based within a commutable distance of Huddersfield to be considered for this contract.

You will have a strong track record in team management, team building, and hands-on expertise in data management, IT security, and cloud infrastructure. They will work closely with senior stakeholders to stabilise operations, assess risk, and define and execute a clear action plan.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead, manage, and support the IT team, including performance reviews, coaching, and capability development.

* Foster a high-performing and collaborative team environment.

* Conduct a full assessment of the current state of IT within the organisation, covering infrastructure, systems, processes, service levels, and staffing.

* Identify and analyse key risks, including security vulnerabilities, system failures, technical debt, data protection concerns, and support gaps.

* Quantify the size and nature of any backlog of work, including unresolved issues, maintenance tasks, and project delays.

* Determine the capability and capacity required (people, skills, tools) to stabilise and improve the IT environment.

* Prepare and commence execution of a prioritised action plan to reduce risk, address the backlog, and lay the foundation for future improvements.

* Oversee day-to-day IT operations, ensuring performance, security, and user satisfaction.

* Ensure data governance, protection, and compliance with relevant legislation (e.g., GDPR).

* Lead IT security practices across systems, infrastructure, and user environments.

* Act as the senior escalation point for IT incidents and service interruptions.

* Collaborate with leadership to align IT operations and planning with wider business needs.

* Support recruitment, onboarding, and knowledge transfer processes if applicable.

Key Requirements:

* Substantial experience in a senior IT leadership role, ideally as an IT Manager, Head of IT, or similar.

* Strong, hands-on experience in IT team leadership, team building, and performance management.

* Demonstrated ability to assess and diagnose IT environments, identify risk, and design and initiate recovery plans.

* Deep knowledge of data management, including governance, integrity, and compliance (e.g., GDPR).

* Proficiency in IT security, risk mitigation, and incident response best practices.

* Hands-on experience with cloud platforms.

* Comfortable managing day-to-day IT services while planning and initiating strategic change.

* Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

* Available to start immediately and commit for the full 6-month term.

* Experience managing hybrid or distributed teams.