Studio IT Manager

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We’re currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make video game history.

Cloud Imperium Games is looking for a highly technical and people-focused Studio IT Manager to lead IT for our Manchester studio, home to the teams building Star Citizen and Squadron 42!

What do our IT Managers do?

• Own the end-to-end delivery of IT services for the Manchester studio, ensuring systems, endpoints, and support services are reliable, secure, and aligned to the needs of game development.
• Lead, develop, and manage the Service Desk and Desktop Support teams, including hiring, coaching, 1:1s, performance reviews, and career paths, so the team can handle Tier 2 and Tier 3 work locally.
• Define, measure, and report on service levels and customer satisfaction (SLA attainment, first-contact resolution, backlog health, CSAT), and champion a service culture built on empathy, clear communication, and ownership.
• Act as the senior technical escalation point in the studio and lead major incident response, including post-incident reviews and problem management.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of end-user computing, including high-performance workstations, laptops, imaging and deployment, patching, and secure disposal, while driving automation and self-service across the team.
• Manage the Manchester IT budget, hardware and software forecasting, asset management, and local vendors and suppliers.
• Work with IT Security to meet security and compliance requirements, including endpoint baselines, vulnerability remediation, access reviews, and audit readiness.
• Own IT onboarding, offboarding, moves, and studio expansions, and lead or sponsor projects such as hardware refreshes, OS upgrades, and office moves.
• Sit on the global IT leadership team, reporting to the Senior Director of IT and working with peers across Austin, Frankfurt, and Montreal to shape IT strategy, roadmaps, and standards across all CIG studios.
• Build trusted relationships with studio leadership and department heads across Engineering, Art, Design, QA, Audio, and Production, and work alongside our Network and Systems Engineers, IT Security, and IT Project Management.
• Work UK business hours, with the flexibility to support major incidents, escalations, and planned changes outside of core hours. International travel may be required.

What does a good IT Manager look like to us?

A true passion for technology is a must, and we would also like it if you:

• Have 8+ years of experience in IT operations, end-user computing, or infrastructure, including at least 4 years managing Service Desk, Desktop Support, or technical operations teams.
• Bring a strong technical background, with the hands-on ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues across Windows, PC hardware, identity, and networking, and to earn the respect of senior engineers.
• Have expert knowledge of Windows 10/11 and endpoint management using Intune, Autopilot, and/or SCCM/MECM, plus strong working knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, Entra ID, and Microsoft 365.
• Carry a solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, Wi-Fi, 802.1X) and of server and cloud infrastructure as it relates to end-user services.
• Have working knowledge of PowerShell or other scripting tools, with a track record of using automation to improve service.
• Have proven experience building, leading, and developing high-performing technical teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Have experience running ITSM processes (incident, request, problem, and change), leading major incidents, and managing budgets, assets, and vendor relationships.
• Are an exceptional communicator who stays patient, empathetic, and calm under pressure, and can explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical colleagues and senior leadership.
• Have a collaborative “one team” mindset, with experience working across distributed, multi-site teams and balancing local studio needs with global priorities.
• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (equivalent professional experience accepted).

Experience in game development, VFX, or interactive entertainment, ITIL 4 or Microsoft certifications (MD-102, AZ-104), and a passion for sci-fi games and space sims are all a bonus.

This role is based in our Manchester studio. Candidates must be based in, or able to relocate to, the Manchester area, and the role is not compatible with fully remote working.

We are always keen to hear from passionate IT leaders, so join the ‘verse and become our latest Star Citizen!

CIG Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at [email protected] with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!