IT Manager

Are you passionate about driving operational efficiency and improving business processes? Do you want to take the lead in ensuring operational excellence at ILLUM with a focus on effective IT management?

ILLUM has successfully completed a comprehensive three-year IT modernization journey, We have significantly enhanced our cybersecurity measures, established a resilient and scalable infrastructure, and adopted a cloud-first SaaS strategy. Our transformation includes replacing 80% of our legacy systems, building an adaptable workplace, and fostering a proactive IT function that is deeply integrated with the business.
As we continue to evolve, we are seeking a hands-on IT Manager to lead IT operations, manage partners, and develop our small team. This key operational role requires you to actively contribute to daily operations while ensuring that our IT services align with business objectives." 

Operational IT Manager

As the IT Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing daily IT operations at ILLUM, ensuring the stability and performance of IT services. Your primary focus will be delivering hands-on solutions that support operational efficiency and business needs.

Reporting to the CFO, you will collaborate closely with the Management team to ensure IT plays a key role in delivering exceptional service to our global customer base. 

You will manage a team of two IT Supporters and four IT student assistants, while coordinating with external outsourcing partners for project execution and follow-up. Additionally, you'll step in when needed to resolve technical issues, minimizing disruptions to business processes.

Your responsibilities will include managing IT infrastructure, supporting employee software, and overseeing systems like ERP and POS, optimizing workflows, and introducing new solutions to enhance operational performance.

Retail Experience and Strong Operational Focus

Experience in the retail industry is a plus, especially in managing IT operations, system implementations, and process automation. Strong prioritization skills and the ability to handle operational tasks while leading IT projects are essential.

A background in IT, computer science, or IT/business management is ideal, along with proven experience managing IT in a fast-paced environment. Fluency in English is required, and familiarity with retail IT systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics AX, POS platforms, and analytics tools like QlikView, is beneficial.

This role requires an operational mindset, driving IT performance to support business growth and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day IT operations, ensuring high-quality service and efficient support for all business processes.
• Resolve escalated IT issues, taking direct action to maintain seamless system performance.
• Take an active, hands-on role in overseeing the smooth daily operations of IT. Ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of IT systems, stepping in directly to troubleshoot and resolve issues when needed. Continue promoting an automation-first mindset to streamline and optimize processes.
• Actively manage relationships with key technology vendors and partners. Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure that service delivery aligns with business requirements. Collaborate closely with vendors to maintain high service standards and performance levels.
•  Lead and develop a high-performing IT team by setting an example through active participation in operations. Foster a user-centric, business-aligned approach, while encouraging skill diversification and professional growth within the team, providing leadership and mentorship.
• Strengthen cybersecurity practices by taking a hands-on approach to monitoring and addressing risks. Ensure compliance with industry standards and lead regular security awareness training across the organization.
• Support and implement new technologies and systems, playing a direct role in system integration and process improvement. Utilize monitoring and reporting tools to drive data-driven operational decisions.
• Lead and actively participate in the adoption of new tools, platforms, and processes. Ensure smooth transitions from legacy systems to modern solutions, supporting both the technical and user-facing aspects of the change.
• Apply ITIL principles to enhance service management by working directly with teams to implement incident, problem, and change management processes. Focus on continuous improvement and resource optimization in service delivery.

What We're Looking For:

•  5+ years of hands-on experience managing IT operations, particularly in a retail setting, ensuring system stability, security, and business alignment.
• Proven expertise with ITIL frameworks and managing cloud, SaaS, and modern infrastructure environments. Skilled in automating and optimizing ERP, POS, and CRM systems for operational efficiency.
• Actively involved in daily IT operations, troubleshooting, and project execution, with a strong focus on proactive problem-solving.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and managing small, diverse IT teams. Cultivating a collaborative, user-focused approach that promotes continuous improvement and business alignment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities, enabling the evaluation of complex technical scenarios and decision-making that aligns IT capabilities with business needs.
•  Experienced in managing vendor relationships, ensuring high-quality service delivery through clear communication, negotiation, and performance management.
• Proactively understanding and anticipating business needs, ensuring IT operates as a hands-on, supportive partner that drives business objectives.
• Deep interest in new technology, continuously staying updated on trends and innovations to enhance IT solutions and operational performance.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about delivering practical IT solutions and driving initiatives that support our business goals. If you're ready to make an impact, we would love to hear from you!

We offer:

• A dynamic and inclusive work environment
• A company culture that is international, flexible, and growth-oriented
• A workplace with colleagues from all around the world
• The opportunity to be part of a dedicated and engaged team
• Opportunities for both personal and professional development
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, health insurance, and pension 

ILLUM:
Illum is owned by Central Group in Thailand, a global retail leader with an annual turnover of more than €13 billion. Central Group owns 120 department stores worldwide, including prestigious names such as Selfridges, Kadewe, Rinascente, Globus, De Bijenkorf, Brown Thomas, and Arnotts in Europe.

For questions about the position, please contact CFO Jan Ullstad at +45 40 54 45 00.