WE’RE HIRING AN IT MANAGER GALWAY

about ability west

Ability West provides high-quality services and supports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism throughout Galway. Technology plays a vital role in supporting effective, secure, and modern service delivery, and the organisation is entering a transformational phase in its IT landscape. We are seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead this strategic development.

What does the role encompass?

The IT Manager will oversee the strategic development, security, and operational delivery of IT systems across the organisation. This includes managing IT infrastructure, leading the IT service desk, strengthening cybersecurity, and driving digital transformation—particularly the transition to a cloud-first Microsoft 365 environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. ICT Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement an IT strategy aligned with organisational goals.

• Manage IT planning, budgeting, procurement, and asset lifecycle management.

• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on technology risks, opportunities, and emerging needs.

• Maintain IT policies covering security, acceptable use, disaster recovery, and data protection.

• Liaise with key internal and external stakeholders, including the HSE and other partner agencies, to ensure alignment with regulatory, operational, and strategic requirements.

• Work collaboratively with external managed support vendors as appropriate.

• Manage junior members of IT Team.

2. ICT Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee the performance, maintenance, and security of all IT systems, networks, servers, and endpoints.

• Ensure robust business continuity, backup systems, and disaster recovery readiness.

• Manage IT vendors, contracts, licensing, and SLAs to ensure value and service quality.

3. Service Desk Management

• Lead and manage the IT service desk, ensuring timely, effective, and user‑focused support.

• Establish and maintain service desk processes, workflows, and escalation pathways.

• Monitor performance using KPIs, ticket metrics, and user feedback.

• Prioritise issues based on business impact to maintain service continuity.

• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to IT support staff.

• Foster a culture of high service quality and continuous improvement.

4. Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls including MFA, endpoint security, firewalls, patching, and identity access management.

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, HIQA standards, HSE requirements, and internal governance frameworks.

• Lead risk assessments, security audits, incident response, and organisation-wide security awareness initiatives.

5. Digital Transformation & Modern Workplace Enablement

• Drive organisation-wide digital transformation to enhance efficiency, communication, and accessibility.

• Lead the adoption and optimisation of Microsoft 365 tools including Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Intune, and Power Platform.

• Plan and lead the migration from on‑premise servers and associated infrastructure to a secure Microsoft 365 cloud environment, including architecture planning, data and identity migration, system decommissioning, and change management.

• Lead the migration of organisational documentation and processes toward a paperless environment, using digital workflows, cloud storage, electronic forms, and secure digital repositories.

• Support departments in modernising processes through digital tools, automation, and improved workflows.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

• Essential

  • Degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline.

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in IT infrastructure management, IT leadership, or similar roles.

  • Strong experience with Microsoft 365, Intune, Azure AD, Entra ID, Windows Server, networking, and cybersecurity.

  • Demonstrated experience managing IT service desks and delivering high-quality user support.

  • Proven track record in delivering IT projects, including cloud or server migration initiatives.

  Desirable

  • Experience in disability, health, social care, or community service settings.

  • ITIL certification or similar service management qualification.

  • Experience with Microsoft Power Platform or low-code automation tools.

  • Experience managing third-party IT suppliers and service agreements.

  Key Competencies

  • Strong leadership and communication skills.

  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical ability.

  • High focus on service quality, security, and reliability.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

  • Alignment with the mission and values of Ability West.

what we offer?

• Lead a significant digital and organisational transformation programme.

• Make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organisation supporting vulnerable individuals.

• Collaborative working environment with strong organisational values.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and growth

• Salary Range - €57,011 to € 74,761 (Grade VII)

• Opportunities for Continuing Professional Development and career growth

• A flexible and supportive work environment

• Pension scheme

• 10% corporate discount from choice of three LAYA Corporate Plans.

• Closing date for applications 21st June 2026.

You can also apply directly online via our website: abilitywest.ie/join-our-team.