Director of IT and Digital Strategy

Location: Hayes

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 & LGPS

Reports to: Chief Finance Officer / Senior Leadership Team

 About Us:

Our multi-academy trust is dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities for young people, fostering inclusive learning environments, and nurturing a strong sense of community. With three schools under our care—Barnhill High School, Belmore Primary, and William Byrd Primary—our mission is to ensure every child has access to outstanding facilities that inspire success.

The Role
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of IT and Digital Strategy to lead the development and delivery of a robust, innovative, and future-focused IT and digital strategy across multiple sites. This senior leadership role combines strategic planning, operational excellence, and team development to ensure secure, efficient, and effective IT services that support teaching, learning, and administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  Develop and implement a comprehensive IT and digital strategy aligned with organisational goals.
  Drive integration and optimisation of IT systems across multiple sites, ensuring best value and scalability.
  Advise leadership on emerging technologies, opportunities, and risks.
• Operational Management:
  Oversee IT infrastructure including servers, cloud services, cybersecurity, and end-user devices.
  Manage procurement and upgrades of hardware, software, and services for cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Team Leadership:
  Lead and develop IT teams, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
  Implement workforce planning and professional development programmes.
  Ensure effective service desk operations and high-quality support for staff and students.
• Project Delivery:
  Plan and manage complex IT projects, ensuring timely and on-budget delivery.
  Develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
  Consolidate systems and services where appropriate.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Work closely with educational leaders to integrate technology into pedagogy.
  Provide training and support on IT systems and digital tools.
  Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including SLT, teaching staff, and external partners.
• Safeguarding:
  Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns regarding the welfare of children and young people.

Person Specification

• Qualifications:
  Degree in IT, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
  Certifications in networking, cloud technologies, or cybersecurity desirable.
• Experience:
  Proven leadership in IT technical administration across large or multi-site organisations.
  Strong technical knowledge of enterprise IT environments (Windows AD, DNS/DHCP, Hyper-V, Microsoft 365, networking, cybersecurity frameworks, VoIP, AV systems).
  Experience managing helpdesk operations and improving standards.
  Educational sector experience preferred but not essential.
• Personal Qualities:
  Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
  Strong leadership and communication abilities.
  Highly organised, calm under pressure, and detail-oriented.
  Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children.

Application Process

Please complete the application form, and submit a covering letter to include answers to one or more of the following:

• An innovation you introduced that improved IT operations or service delivery.
• Your experience with network infrastructure, cloud services, or enterprise systems.
• A security or compliance initiative you implemented.
• An example of negotiating with a supplier or managing contracts to improve service delivery.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to make a significant impact across multiple schools.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development opportunities to help you grow and succeed in your role.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Further information:

CV's will not be accepted. 

 We accept only employment and academic references; character references and those sent from generic email addresses (e.g. Gmail or Hotmail) will not be accepted.

Early applications are positively encouraged, and the Trust reserves the right to shortlist and interview earlier than advertised.

Middlesex Learning Partnership is a disability confident committed employer.

Middlesex Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks. Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and further social media checks. It is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Closing Date: 18^th January 2026.