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 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 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.