IT Manager - Branch Systems - Booker Group : Job Details

What's in it for you

At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
• Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates
• An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
• After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
• Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay
• Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
• A great holiday package

About the role

Booker is seeking an experienced IT Manager to oversee and maintain our in-house Cash & Carry system, which runs on a Linux-based environment and is developed in Java and COBOL. The IT Manager will be responsible for ensuring system stability, performance, security, and continuous improvement. This role involves system administration, software management, troubleshooting, and coordinating with internal teams to support the business operations.

The successful candidate will work in tandem with the IT Manager of Branch Systems EPOS & HHT’s & the IT Manager of Technical Support to help create and deliver a forward-looking roadmap whilst ensuring a successful execution using a small department of Booker Project, Development and Test teams.  

You will be responsible for

Key Responsibilities:

• System Administration & Maintenance:

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and performance of the in-house system on a Linux OS.

• Monitor system health, conduct regular updates, and ensure high availability.

• Manage user access, system configurations, and security protocols.

• Software Development & Support:

• Maintain and enhance applications developed in Java and COBOL.

• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues to ensure smooth business operations.

• Collaborate with developers, business analysts and operational teams to implement new features or improvements.

• Security & Compliance:

• Implement security best practices for Linux servers, Java applications, and COBOL systems.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Perform regular backups and disaster recovery planning.

• Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Work with external vendors, consultants, and IT service providers as needed.

• Liaise with business stakeholders to gather requirements and provide system support.

• Documentation & Training:

• Maintain system documentation, procedures, and quick reference guides.

• Train IT staff and end-users on system functionalities and best practices.

You will need

• Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in Java and COBOL programming languages.

• Strong knowledge of Linux operating systems (e.g., Red Hat, SuSE, CentOS).

• Experience with databases (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL) and SQL queries.

• IT Infrastructure & Security:

• Experience in system administration, network management, and cybersecurity best practices.

• Familiarity with shell scripting, automation, and DevOps tools is a plus.

• Project & Team Management:

• Ability to manage IT projects, troubleshoot system issues, and coordinate with different teams.

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach.

Experience: 

• Experience in Retail/Wholesale industry is desirable but not critical. 

About The Company

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country.  We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.