Location: Bolton, with travel across group dealership sites all located in the Northwest.
Reports to: Finance Director
Company Overview
We are a dynamic, multi-franchise motor group representing premium and luxury brands including BMW, MINI, and Jaguar. Operating multiple high-performing dealerships delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our operations rely on secure, integrated, and reliable IT systems that support manufacturer compliance, high-volume workflows, and ongoing digital transformation.
Why This Role Matters
As our IT Manager, you’ll lead the group’s technology functions including IT strategy, operations, cybersecurity, projects, and digital transformation. You’ll be the person who ensures our systems run smoothly, our dealerships stay connected, and our teams have the tools they need to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
If you’re someone who enjoys being hands-on, solving problems, improving systems, and leading a small but capable team, this is a role where you’ll genuinely make an impact.
What You’ll Lead
Group IT Strategy & Leadership
- Set and deliver the IT strategy that supports our growth, digital transformation, and operational excellence.
- Lead and develop internal IT staff and external partners.
- Own the IT budget and ensure strong ROI on technology investments.
- Act as the key contact for BMW, MINI, JLR and other manufacturers on all IT compliance and DMS matters.
Infrastructure & Operations
- Oversee servers, networks, cloud services, endpoints, mobile devices, and connectivity across all sites.
- Ensure high availability of critical systems including Keyloop, OEM platforms, CRM, workshop management, parts and finance systems.
- Manage WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, and telecoms across multiple dealerships.
- Maintain robust backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.
Cybersecurity & Compliance
- Lead cybersecurity strategy and protect the group from evolving threats.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and manufacturer standards.
- Manage risk assessments, penetration testing, and incident response.
Digital Transformation & Projects
- Deliver IT projects on time and within budget — upgrades, cloud migrations, new tools, integrations.
- Support digital retailing, online service booking, KPI dashboards, and data analytics.
- Introduce new technologies that improve efficiency, automation, and customer experience.
Support & Service Delivery
- Set and monitor SLAs for incident resolution.
- Manage relationships with Managed Service Providers, vendors, and software providers.
What You Bring
Technical Strength
- Windows Server, active directory, Microsoft 365/Azure
- Networking (Cisco/Meraki), firewalls, VoIP
- Automotive DMS experience (Keyloop and OEM platforms)
- Cybersecurity best practice
- Cloud technologies (Azure/AWS), VMware/Hyper‑V
Leadership & Business Skills
- Experience leading IT in a multi-site environment
- Strong project management
- Clear communicator with excellent stakeholder management
Experience & Qualifications
- 5–7 years in IT, with 3+ years in a senior/manager role
- Multi-site retail or automotive experience preferred
- IT relevant certificates/qualifications
- Degree in IT or equivalent experience
What we offer
- Company Car
- Private BUPA Medical Care
- Great facilities and a professional, supportive team environment
- Generous annual leave-35days paid holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- £1,000 employee referral bonus for introducing great people to the business
- Medicash healthcare scheme to support everyday health costs
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support, advice and counselling
- Wellbeing courses and support to help you look after your physical and mental health
- Company pension scheme and life assurance cover for long-term security
- Employee reward and recognition schemes celebrating great performance
- Annual Williams summer staff event and children’s Christmas party
Why Williams Motor Group
Starting out in 1909, Williams has grown as a family business into much more than just a place to buy a car.
We’re proud of our people, our heritage and our core beliefs and we’re always looking for talented, driven individuals to help shape our next chapter.
Interested?
If you enjoy delivering great customer service and want to work in a forward-thinking, premium automotive business, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and join us in delivering The Difference is Williams as our new IT Manager
