About the company 

LaplandUK is a purpose driven entertainment company that was conceived in 2007 by Mike & Alison Battle, a couple with a passion to reimagine the Father Christmas myth and create the ultimate immersive Christmas experience where families could celebrate the wonder of childhood and specifically, their children’s precious fleeting years of belief.

Frustrated by multiple experiences of the poor treatment of their own sons’ ‘belief’, Mike and Alison Battle, embarked on a 17-year journey to elevate this special moment of childhood through their original storytelling world and so bring it to life: Lapland. Their ground-breaking immersive show opened in Tunbridge Wells in 2007 and immediately captured the attention and hearts of parents nationwide. Powered by their purpose to ‘honour childhood together,’ the couple partnered with Hollywood set designers and West End performance professionals to produce an experience of unprecedented quality and detail. The show moved to Ascot in 2013 and has now welcomed over 1.5 million ‘believers,’ with tickets selling out on release for what the press now terms ‘the Glastonbury of Christmas’.

During 2023, the Battles strengthened their senior leadership team with the recruitment of a proven Live Show Director from IMG who is preparing the launch of a second live show in Cheshire, UK in 2025. The opportunity to continue show expansion is material, both domestically and internationally, through 1st party and 3rd party (franchise) operation, with plans to launch a first international show in 2026/27.

Alongside plans for the live expansion, Lapland has also turned its attention to two additional channels to reach parents and children outside of the live event itself. Firstly, the consumer product opportunity based on their story IP, and how they could bring the authentic magic of the LaplandUK live show into the home via eCommerce. In 2024 Lapland launched a number of initiatives (personalised Letters from Lapland, Christmas Eve Boxes and more), which drove their eCommerce revenues by x10 in 2023.

Secondly, more attention was spent on Lapland’s Story IP, with the launch of their Elfcast (podcast), which hit number 1 in the UK Family Charts (and top 10 podcasts worldwide) over Christmas. The content team are now exploring options to bring their characters and stories to life through more audio and video throughout the year, resulting in greater connection to both parents and children yearlong.

The combination of our Live, commerce & content/IP verticals sets Lapland on the path to become the definitive, global Christmas brand for the 21st Century.

In early 2024, LaplandUK commenced a strategic review with proven growth consultancy The Growth Foundation to codify a plan and help guide LaplandUK’s expansion, with particular attention to requirements in their executive, senior operational team, technology and systems architecture and tactical plans in eCommerce to enable and unlock their huge growth potential. The growth plan sees the upgrade of LaplandUK’s system architecture with new ERP, Single Guest (Customer) View and material improvements in Lapland’s digital front end (website & app to allow Ticketing, eCom & Content to be accessed in one place) as well as investment in new strategic / leadership and tactical / execution roles across all business functions.

About the role 

This is a career-defining role and allows the right candidate to make their mark and work to propel LaplandUK into a global multi-channel, international brand from the solid foundation built to date.

As Lapland UK continues to grow and expand its operations, ensuring reliable and efficient IT infrastructure and hardware is critical to the success of our live shows, offices, and supporting departments. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced IT Manager to oversee all aspects of our IT systems and hardware, ensuring seamless operations and support for our staff and guests.

Infrastructure Management:

• Maintain and optimise the performance and reliability of all IT infrastructure, including network connectivity (wired and wireless), servers, storage, and security systems.
• Proactively monitor network performance and identify and resolve any connectivity issues.
• Manage and maintain network security, including firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
• Ensure that all IT systems and data are backed up regularly and securely.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of new IT infrastructure, including network upgrades and expansions.

Hardware Management:

• Manage and maintain all company hardware, including laptops, desktops, mobile devices, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and (non-show) audio-visual equipment.
• Procure new hardware and software as needed, ensuring compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide technical support to staff on all IT-related issues, including hardware and software troubleshooting.
• Manage the deployment and maintenance of laptops and mobile devices for employees.
• Oversee the installation and maintenance of audio-visual non-show locations and offices.

IT Support and Service:

• Provide timely and effective technical support to all Lapland UK staff.
• Manage and respond to IT helpdesk requests.
• Develop and maintain IT documentation, including user guides and troubleshooting manuals.
• Train staff on the use of new hardware and software.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest IT trends and technologies.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements.
• Ensure that vendors meet performance expectations.

Success looks like

In 6-months

• Established a robust and reliable IT infrastructure across all Lapland UK locations.
• Implemented a proactive maintenance plan for all IT hardware.
• Reduced IT downtime and improved staff productivity.
• Developed strong relationships with key IT vendors.
• Enhanced our IT security strategy.
• The Senior Leadership Team and Board are overheard saying ‘what did we ever do without insert your name here;

In 24-months

• Successfully supported the launch of new Lapland UK shows, sales and content channels.
• Implemented new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and guest experience - in partnership with wider Tech team / improvement project/s.
• Built a high-performing IT support team.

About you

Our ideal candidate is a self-motivated, passionate, performance-driven individual with a strategic mindset, with a minimum of 5 years' experience in leading similar projects within the entertainment or related industry, with a proven track record of successful on time & budget delivery, with very satisfied internal & external stakeholders. We are looking for missionaries not mercenaries.

• Proven experience (5+ years) as an IT Manager or similar role, ideally in the entertainment or events industry.
• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, server management, and IT security.
• Experience managing and maintaining a variety of IT hardware, including eCommerce, POS and CRM systems and audio-visual equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

We would love to respond to every application however due to the volume of applications we receive this isn't always possible. If you have not heard within 2 weeks of applying, please assume on this occasion that your application has not been shortlisted. We may retain your CV to contact you about future employment opportunities that are being managed by The Growth Foundation Talent.

The Growth Foundation Talent is deeply committed to building a diverse & inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.