IT Field Engineer - Manchester

IT Field Engineer - £40,000 per annum - Manchester

Principal IT are proudly supporting a UK automotive retail group who are undertaking a significant technology and business transformation programme across its expanding dealership network.

As part of this continued growth, the organisation is looking for an IT Field Engineer to join its Group IT function. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IT professional with automotive industry knowledge to play a key role in supporting dealership operations and delivering technology improvements across multiple sites.

The Role

As an IT Field Engineer, you will provide hands-on IT support across a network of 30+ dealership sites, ensuring core IT infrastructure and automotive-specific technologies are reliable, secure and fit for purpose.

You will work closely with the wider IT team, dealership colleagues, technology partners and third-party suppliers. The role combines technical support, site-based troubleshooting, infrastructure deployment and involvement in wider IT projects.

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of automotive retail environments and experience supporting dealership management systems, OEM platforms and associated technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide on-site and remote IT support across dealership locations, covering hardware, software, connectivity and network issues.
• Support and maintain automotive-specific systems, including Dealer Management Systems (DMS), OEM diagnostic platforms and connected vehicle technologies.
• Manage and resolve IT service desk tickets, prioritising issues appropriately and providing a high standard of customer service.
• Install, configure and maintain IT infrastructure, including:
• TCP/IP, WAN, WLAN and SD-WAN networking
• Windows 10/11
• Apple iOS and Android devices
• Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Intune
• Exchange
• SharePoint
• Azure AD / Microsoft Entra ID

Support the integration and operation of OEM systems, telephony and dealership Wi-Fi solutions.

Work directly with dealership teams to understand operational requirements and implement practical IT solutions.

Assist with IT projects, system upgrades, site openings, technology rollouts and integration activity.

Maintain accurate documentation covering system configurations, changes and support activity.

Liaise with third-party technology providers and escalat(ing?) complex issues where required.

Support the implementation and maintenance of IT security controls and cybersecurity best practices.

Identify recurring issues and opportunities to improve IT services across the dealership network.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Previous experience in an IT support, field engineering or infrastructure role.
• Approximately 2-3 years' relevant IT experience, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working within an automotive retail or dealership IT environment.
• Experience supporting Dealer Management Systems such as Keyloop, RTC, CitNOW or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with franchise-specific automotive IT systems and OEM technology platforms.
• Strong practical knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking and end-user computing.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a wider IT team.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.

Desirable

• IT-related degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience supporting multiple geographically dispersed sites.
• Relevant technical certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft, Cisco or Fortinet.
• Experience with SD-WAN, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft 365 and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Experience working with telephony, Wi-Fi and connectivity solutions.
• Experience supporting IT projects and technology rollouts.

What’s On Offer

• £40,000 salary.
• Access to a company car scheme.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Exposure to a broad range of automotive and enterprise IT technologies.
• A varied, hands-on role within a growing and transforming organisation.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Hybrid working, combining home-based work with regular on-site support.

Additional Information

This is a field-based role supporting multiple locations across the UK. The successful candidate must be comfortable travelling to dealership sites as required, including for project work, technology deployments and operational support.

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