RLT Network Manager at River Learning Trust

The RLT Network Manager role will be based 100% of time in The Swan  School, OX2 7WP.

You will be the professional who:

• Directs the local infrastructure: Leading the design, optimization, and maintenance of the school’s servers, switches, and network access control systems.

• Manages systems and access: Administering user credentials across Windows, Google Workspace, and Bromcom, whilst ensuring robust data protection and disaster recovery procedures.

• Leads technical operations: Overseeing the local service desk, prioritizing support tickets, and managing technical delivery for school operations, exams, and events.

• Develops technical talent: Line managing and supporting the professional development of local IT technician(s).

Why this role matters

The Network Manager is responsible for the overall availability, security, and strategic development of the IT systems spanning both curriculum and administrative functions. By maintaining a stable, scalable network, you directly ensure that school operations run efficiently and teachers can deliver high-quality learning without technical disruption.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in managing server and network infrastructure, including domain controllers, DHCP, DNS, firewalls, and Group Policy configuration.

• Professional agency to lead and allocate tasks to local technician staff, managing service workloads and performance effectively.

• Technical competence across core platforms including Windows, Google Workspace, and Management Information Systems such as Bromcom.

• Clear communication skills, allowing you to explain complex technical issues and provide standard documentation to non-technical staff.

• A proactive approach to compliance, managing data protection practices, user access audits, and safeguarding alert systems.

• A valid driving licence and willingness to provide ad-hoc support to local primary schools within the Trust.

The “Why us” difference

We offer an environment structured around a collaborative culture and mutual technical support. You will have the scope to implement network optimizations locally while contributing directly to the strategic digital strategy of the wider Trust.

Our operations are explicitly workload-sensitive, and we offer high-quality CPLD opportunities alongside mentoring from senior IT leaders to help you progress professionally.

RLT Connection & Benefits

Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff.

Compliance and Safeguarding Block

The Swan School and The River Learning Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism; all staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and obtain any other statutorily required clearance. Employment will also be conditional on the receipt of at least two acceptable references (1 from current/latest employer) and evidence of the formal qualifications required for the role.

Next Steps

1. Read more and apply

To access the full application pack and submit your formal application, please visit our recruitment portal - link at the top of this advertisement. Please note that we do not accept CVs; applications must be submitted through the standard platform.

2. Start a conversation.

For an informal, confidential discussion about the scope of this role, or to arrange a site visit to The Swan School, please contact Sally Owen (RLT Senior Systems Architect & Lead Developer) at sowen@riverlearningtrust.org.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. 

The River Learning Trust reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance. 

If you would like to have a confidential conversation with Sally Owen (RLT Senior Systems Architect & Lead Developer), about the role, prior to application, then please email sowen@riverlearningtrust.org or telephone 01865 647976.

The River Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.   The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates. Please see our website for up to date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour Policies. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. For further guidance for applicants click on this link List of offences that are not filtered