IT Manager - AI & Software Development

Think Specialist Recruitment are working on behalf of a leading organisation based in Watford to recruit an IT Manager - AI & Software Development. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of technology delivery, champion AI-enabled software development and lead a growing IT function that engineers all internal IT systems and their customer portal.

This role would suit an experienced technology leader who combines strong people management skills with a solid understanding of software engineering, AI tools and IT service operations. An interest in, and knowledge of, AI is essential. Along with an inquisitive mind, a thirst for learning and somebody who can evolve with the technology that is being developed.

Salary - £60,000 - £80,000 depending on experience, benefits include:

• Profit-sharing scheme
• Enhanced pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life insurance and income protection
• Enhanced annual leave options

You will lead a small software development team, embedding AI into the software delivery lifecycle while ensuring the organisation's applications and IT services remain reliable and effective.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, developing and growing a team of software developers
• Championing AI-enabled software development across requirements, design, coding, testing and documentation
• Overseeing software delivery, engineering standards, testing and release management
• Identifying opportunities to use Microsoft AI technologies and the Power Platform to improve business processes
• Taking ownership of day-to-day IT operations, application performance and incident management
• Managing outsourced IT providers and specialist suppliers against agreed service levels
• Working with senior stakeholders to shape technical direction and drive continuous improvement

We're looking for someone who can combine effective team leadership with technical credibility and a passion for innovation.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing software developers, including senior engineers
• Practical, hands-on experience using AI tools to improve software development and delivery
• A strong understanding of modern software engineering, agile methodologies, CI/CD and release management
• Experience delivering software within a Microsoft environment, such as .NET, SQL Server or Power Platform
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure
• Experience managing an outsourced IT provider or managed service provider (MSP)
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills

Experience with Copilot Studio, Azure AI, agentic AI tools, Dynamics 365 or bringing outsourced applications in-house would be advantageous.

Looking for the next step in your career?

Think Specialist Recruitment is an independent support staff recruitment agency based in Hemel Hempstead and working across the Herts, Beds and Bucks area. We specialise in permanent, temporary and contract recruitment with areas of expertise including administration, customer service/call centre, PA/secretarial, human resources, accountancy and finance, sales admin/sales support, marketing and IT Helpdesk/IT support.