Systems Design Manager

Systems Design Manager, West Malling, Kent (Hybrid – 1 day WFH) £50,000 to £60,000 (DOE)

Are you an experienced Systems Design or IT Change Manager looking for a new challenge in a growing business? Do you enjoy leading cross-functional teams and improving systems through collaboration and clear communication? Are you confident in translating business needs into well-structured user stories and technical specifications?

If so, this hybrid role based in Kent could be a perfect fit.

We are recruiting for a Systems Design Manager on behalf of a forward-thinking company based in West Malling, Kent. This is a hybrid position with one day per week working from home and free parking on-site.

The successful candidate will report to the IT Director and lead the IT Change function. Managing a team of Business Analysts and Test Analysts. You will be responsible for system improvements, change delivery, testing oversight, and ensuring technical requirements meet business objectives. It’s a varied and rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on project ownership, team leadership, and business process improvement.

What you will be doing:

As Systems Design Manager, you will:

• Lead the IT Change team, managing both Business and Test Analysts
• Oversee the design and testing of the company’s bespoke internal systems
• Own the system roadmap and ensure change aligns with business strategy
• Gather and analyse requirements, facilitate workshops, and create user stories
• Translate user stories into technical specifications for the development team
• Manage and improve internal testing processes – including beta testing and documentation
• Participate in out-of-hours implementation testing (once a week on a rota)
• Produce clear documentation, including project plans, roadmaps, test cases, and manuals
• Provide input into system architecture and ensure design supports business processes
• Support internal system admin tasks and occasional IT support queries (training provided)

What we are looking for:

• You will be a natural communicator with a methodical, delivery-focused approach. We’re looking for someone who can:
• Lead change management and systems design in a complex environment
• Manage both people and processes with confidence and empathy
• Create and review technical documentation and test plans
• Demonstrate experience with Agile, Waterfall, or Kanban methodologies
• Collaborate with stakeholders across all levels of the business
• Show strong knowledge of the software development lifecycle
• Use tools like Visio, Excel, and Azure DevOps (or similar platforms)

Bonus points if you have experience with:

• SQL, C#, or knowledge of the mortgage or financial services sector
• Classic ASP or Java (not essential)
• Experience creating ERDs, test scripts, or procedure documentation

Key skills & attributes:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong leadership and team motivation skills
• Adaptability to change and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Clear written and verbal communication style (plain English preferred)
• Organised, proactive, and realistic with deadlines

Why this role?

This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to join a supportive, dynamic company that values input, invests in its people, and embraces change.

Benefits include:

• Annual discretionary bonus
• AXA-backed private healthcare (post-probation)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• 4% employer pension contributions
• Black-tie winter party and summer team-building events
• Monthly dress-down Fridays
• CPD support and training
• Free parking
• Friendly, inclusive workplace culture

If you are ready to lead meaningful change, work closely with senior stakeholders, and develop a team in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.