Information Technology Manager

Created in 2017, The Independents is an entrepreneur-driven community of industry-leading experts, delivering global, connected solutions for luxury, fashion and lifestyle businesses to become culture brands. The Independents brings together a unique, future-fit ecosystem of services for ambitious businesses who seek to impact global culture around 3 key pillars:

Experience : Atelier Athem, Atelier Lum, Bureau Betak, INCA, K2, Kennedy, Prodject

Communication, Strategy & influence : Ctzar, Karla Otto, Lefty, The Qode

Content : Bureau Future, Sunshine

Providing clients with end-to-end solutions to become key culture brands, the group aligns a global perspective with on-the-ground, local insights. As such, the collective is powerfully positioned to offer streamlined strategy, creative services, talent partnerships, influencer marketing, communications and bespoke experiences for leading brands across key markets, by way of its presence in Milano, Paris, London, Munich, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah.

Since June 2023, The Independents Group is backed by Banijay, a FL Entertainment company, and Towerbrook Capital Partners.

About The Position

The Independents, a prestigious collective of leading creative businesses and studios in the fashion, luxury, beauty, and lifestyle sectors, is seeking a skilled and proactive IT Manager to oversee the technological infrastructure at our Mercer Street office in New York City. This role is critical in ensuring the seamless operation and security of our IT systems as we foster a dynamic and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance of the IT environment:

• Ensure smooth delivery and operation of IT services which supports both on-site and remote operations.
• Monitor IT services performance and manage incidents and problems; provide leadership for IT crisis situations and provide a clear path for escalation.
• Ensure IT systems technical administration and user rights administration; have an understanding of in-house databases and active directory administration.
• Ensure cybersecurity protocols are up to date and enforced.

End-user support and training:

• Provide technical support and assistance to all company users, manage their incidents and problems and answer their questions.
• Manage IT requests, assist in the setup of new users’ equipment and manage changes affecting end-users’ IT equipment.
• Provide training of IT systems and security best practices to all users.

Management of IT inventory:

• Maintain inventory of all hardware and software and maintain stocks of consumables.
• Ensure capacity planning of all IT components, placing orders as required.
• Research and evaluate new equipment, software and services

Continuous improvement and upgrades of the IT environment:

• Contribute to designing, implementing and continuously optimizing the IT infrastructure
• Oversee installations and upgrades of IT infrastructure components, including network, servers, applications …

Liaising with business stakeholders and alignment with business needs:

• Coordinate with key stakeholders across the organization to assess business needs.
• Develop and enforce IT policies and solutions to meet business needs and support strategies set by upper management.

Administration of IT activities:

• Negotiate and manage contracts with IT vendors and service providers.
• Manage the IT budget, ensure cost-effectiveness and report on allocation of IT budget.
• Liaise with the HR department to manage IT staff and external consultants.

Additional Responsibilities (In context of The Independents):

• Leading IT-related initiatives and providing support for setup at company events.
• Enhancing and maintaining the IT component of The Independents' facility management, including network connectivity, digital security, and physical hardware setups.
• Assisting with the development of digital assets and support for marketing and communications efforts.

Key Attributes

• Proven experience as an IT Manager or similar role with a strong understanding of technologies, minimum 5 years.
• Proficiency in managing computer systems, networks, IT security, and troubleshooting.
• Excellent organisational, time management and prioritization skills; ability to work both autonomously and under direction; Demonstrated project management skills.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• High level of engagement, willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.
• Flexible in approach, ability to adapt to changing priorities and to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and confident to deal with all levels of staff across the business.
• Passionate about technology and its role in a creative business environment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• 401K Employer Match program
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Time Off including Vacation Days, Personal Days, Sick Days, and additional Comp Days
• Company-wide closure last week of the year
• 10 Federal Holidays Observed

This role offers the opportunity to lead the IT operations within a collaborative and creative team environment at The Independents. We encourage innovative thinkers with a passion for technology management and creative problem-solving to apply for this exciting opportunity.