Hands-On IT / Systems Manager

About the Company

A successful and long-established Independent Supplier to both major Retail Groups and independent Retail Businesses throughout the UK and internationally.

With a turnover in excess of £30 million and several well-known product ranges, the business operates from a single UK site with a large warehouse and a highly integrated distribution and sales operation. The organisation also works alongside two international group companies, each operating their own independent IT solutions and systems environments.

Due to continued growth and the increasing importance of technology within the business, the company is seeking an experienced and hands-on IT Manager / Systems Manager to take ownership of the internal systems environment and support the ongoing development of the company’s software and operational infrastructure.

The Role

This is a varied and business-critical role ideally suited to someone from a software development and business systems background who enjoys combining technical development, systems analysis, and operational support.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management, support, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of the company’s in-house distribution and business systems. You will work closely with external software providers, hardware suppliers, and internal stakeholders across warehousing, sales, customer service, and management.

The environment includes:

• In-house distribution-based systems
• Integration with external web sales platforms
• Warehouse picking technology using approximately 40 handheld devices
• Multi-server infrastructure
• Wireless networking across the warehouse operation
• Up to 96 concurrent system users

This is a role for someone who is comfortable working independently, taking ownership of systems, troubleshooting issues, analysing business requirements, and delivering practical technology improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Systems & Software Management

• Maintain and support the company’s in-house distribution and business systems
• Analyse business processes and identify opportunities for system improvements
• Develop, enhance, and maintain applications using DataBasic and Visual Basic (VB)
• Support integrations between internal systems and external web sales platforms
• Ensure accurate and timely transfer of orders and product data between systems
• Liaise with third-party software providers regarding upgrades, enhancements, and support issues

Infrastructure & Technical Support

• Oversee multiple servers, warehouse wireless infrastructure, and associated hardware
• Coordinate with external hardware and infrastructure suppliers
• Support warehouse handheld picking systems and user devices
• Monitor system performance, reliability, and data integrity
• Assist with backup, disaster recovery, and security processes

Business & Operational Support

• Work closely with operational departments to understand requirements and resolve issues
• Provide support and guidance to users across the business
• Assist with reporting, data analysis, and process automation
• Support ongoing business growth and operational efficiency initiatives

Candidate Requirements

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong background in software development and business systems
• Experience with:
• DataBasic
• Visual Basic (VB)
• Strong business analysis and problem-solving skills
• Experience supporting integrated business or distribution systems
• Ability to manage and prioritise workload independently
• Experience liaising with third-party software and hardware suppliers

Good understanding of:

• Server environments
• Wireless networks
• Warehouse/distribution operations
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Desirable Experience

Experience within:

• Distribution
• Warehousing
• Logistics
• Retail supply environments
• Knowledge of web sales integrations / eCommerce connectivity
• Experience supporting handheld warehouse picking devices
• Exposure to multi-user operational systems

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and organised
• Practical and solutions-focused
• Comfortable working autonomously
• Strong attention to detail
• Calm under pressure
• Commercially aware with a proactive mindset

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to take ownership of a business-critical systems environment
• Stable and growing business with long-term prospects
• Varied and hands-on technical role
• Friendly and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to influence future systems development and operational improvements