Head of Technical Architecture

Discovery Schools Trust 

Salary: Competitive dependent on experience

Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Contract Type: Full-Time and Permanent 

Location: NSPCC Training Centre, Beaumont Leys, with travel to Trust Schools and external Organisations as required

About the Role

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Successful design and execution of all technical IT projects.
• Responsible for Trust infrastructure, including but not limited to firewalls, switches, wifi, servers, connectivity, cloud infrastructure and services.
• Responsible for cyber security, meeting and maintaining expected standards.
• Be a visible point of escalation within the Trust and known as a safe pair of hands.
• Contribute to IT communications such as status page and planned engineering works.
• Provide training to rest of IT team in order to develop capacity in house.
• Ensure processes are automated wherever possible, with design and implementation of improvements where applicable.
• Lead on achieving expected cyber standards such as Cyber Essentials / plus.
• Attend central team meetings, headteacher networks, etc., as required.
• Work with the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) to commercialise the IT service, making available for other Trusts and Schools.
• Keep abreast of national initiatives and expected standards through training, research and attendance at events.
• Carry out due diligence for new schools prior to them joining the Trust.
• Provide escalated support to external service users as appropriate.
• Provide consultancy, audits, remediations, and migrations for other schools and trusts as part of the traded service.
• Line management of IT Team in absence of Head of IT.
• Deputise for CTO as appropriate.

 School Support:

• Ensure schools have equity in the IT Infrastructure provided by the Trust.
• Facilitate the sharing of good practices.

• Provide support for new schools through a period of change.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Educated to at least ‘GCSE’ standard with English and Maths at level C or above. Equivalent qualifications will be acceptable. 
• Further or higher education qualifications are desirable.

Experience:

• Proven experience leading or managing technical teams, ideally within education.
• Demonstrated success supporting multi‑site organisations of 1,000+ users.
• Experience of IT Infrastructure implementation and maintenance outside of the education sector
• Experience developing teams, driving high performance, and embedding strong technical standards.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Understanding of statutory requirements and legislation around safeguarding technology use.
• Knowledge of RMM tools and cloud management systems (e.g., Intune, Autopilot, Mosyle, Zabbix).
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise‑scale networks (WAN to end‑user).
• Experience maintaining on‑premises and cloud server/service infrastructure, including undocumented estates.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage deadlines, and respond to unplanned events.
• Experience with access control systems (ideally Paxton Net2 / Paxton 10).
• Knowledge of SIP trunking and PBX configuration.
• Experience managing print services (ideally Papercut).
• Strong understanding of GDPR and ensuring team compliance.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire others, communicate a vision, and build strong working relationships.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application, including Personal Qualities  required.

Want to know more about Discovery Schools Trust?

Formed in 2012, Discovery, is a well-established and respected partnership of 15 Primary, 1 secondary and 4 SEND schools in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. Our schools share a fundamental belief in the power of partnership and collaboration in improving the opportunities and outcomes for pupils and staff alike.

Within Discovery, all schools, leaders and pupils are encouraged to share their expertise and knowledge to help everyone reach their full potential, this is accomplished through collaborative learning and the removal of barriers to support everyone to achieve.

Visit us online to explore who we are and what we do. Home - Discovery Schools Academies Trust

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues. 

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.

 Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting. 

Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!