IT Manager Contract: Full Time/5-year fixed term initially
Reporting to: UCC Director of IT Services (or nominee)
Location: Tyndall National Institute, UCC
Tyndall is a critical national research resource and key national research infrastructure at University College Cork (UCC), established in 2004 as a strategic partnership between Government and UCC. The Institute is a powerhouse of research activity and a leading European research centre providing a national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development, and graduate training at the convergence of micro & nano-electronics, photonics, materials, and software.
The Institute’s key objective is to have a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence.
Responsibilities of the Post
The IT Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the institute’s IT strategy to support its mission of advancing research and innovation. This position is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation, security, and scalability of IT networks, systems, and services critical to the institute’s research, administrative, and operational functions.
As part of the wider IT Services function, the IT Manager will lead a dynamic team of Tyndall-based IT professionals, fostering a culture of service delivery excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Strategic IT Leadership:
* Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy and roadmap that supports the institute’s research and operational goals.
* Proactively collaborate with senior Tyndall management to align IT initiatives with the overall strategic plans of the Institute.
* Work with the UCC IT Services management team to align Tyndall IT plans with overall UCC IT Services technology strategy, goals, policies, and standards.
* Promote, enhance, and develop Research Computing services for Tyndall and the wider University.
* Undertake financial planning and budgeting for the IT function within Tyndall.
Infrastructure and Operations Management:
* Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, HPC, and storage solutions.
* Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of IT systems to support research activities and administrative functions.
* Align infrastructure operations and systems to university-wide systems and standards.
* Provide operational technical expertise to support the day-to-day operations of the IT team and services.
Cybersecurity and Compliance:
* Establish and enforce IT security policies and procedures to safeguard sensitive data and systems.
* Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, university policies, and best practices in IT security and data protection.
Team Development and Leadership:
* Lead, mentor, and develop the local IT team, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
* Manage all day-to-day aspects of the IT team, set clear objectives, and provide regular feedback and support.
User Support and Training:
* Provide expert technical support to researchers, staff, and students, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolution of IT issues.
* Develop and deliver training programs to enhance IT literacy and empower users to leverage technology effectively.
* Ensure a best-in-class service delivery.
Project and Partnership Management:
* Plan, execute, and oversee relevant IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
* Cultivate and develop external partner relationships, including vendor management, user groups, and contractors.
* Manage positive relationships with customers and resident clients of Tyndall, ensuring delivery of a professional and high-quality IT service.
* Develop strong relationships with the research community across Tyndall and UCC.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
* Undertake research into emerging IT technologies and platforms and present recommendations for the innovative use of such technologies.
* Design and implement proactive innovative solutions to IT challenges.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance IT services, processes, and infrastructure within Tyndall.
Selection Criteria:
Essential Criteria
* An honours degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
* At least 10 years’ experience of leading an IT department, IT projects, budgets, and people in a large complex environment.
* Proven ability to manage change effectively.
* Proven track record of strong stakeholder management and effective communications.
* Strong infrastructure technical skills and expertise in networks, datacentre operations, and management of compute and storage technology.
* Strong technical experience in EUC and workspace collaboration (M365).
* Proven hands-on technical experience across multiple technologies.
* Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
Desired Criteria
* Familiarity with the specific challenges of providing IT Services in an academic and research environment.
* Track record of continuous personal development and qualifications.
* Experience of HPC computing, managing and delivering compute and storage services to researchers.
Conditions of Employment
Salary scale (new entrants): Senior Admin IV Salary €95,664 – €114,996 (Scale B) per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Barry O'Sullivan, Head of IT Operations, IT Services at B.OSullivan@ucc.ie.
Closing date for application is 6th March 2025.
Application Instructions: Please attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
A full candidate information pack is available to download.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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