Purpose of the Role

 The Head of IT is a senior leadership role within the Trust’s Central Team and plays a key role in advising the Executive Team on digital strategy, cyber security, and technology-related risk.

 We are seeking an experienced IT leader with a proven track record of leading, managing and developing IT systems and infrastructure across a Multi-Academy Trust or similar large-scale organisation. This is a strategic leadership role with the opportunity to build, shape and scale a high-quality digital service.  We have a mission to operate a forward thinking, modern IT infrastructure to support over 6,000 students and 1,000 staff.

 The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure, including system management, cybersecurity, and the delivery of major IT projects.  You will be up to date with current and emerging best practices and have the ability to adapt and respond to the changing needs of the business. 

 As Head of IT, you will be responsible for developing and leading our IT strategy, ensuring that our systems and services support our academies effectively and securely. You will work closely with IT partners and teams across our Trust, providing leadership and direction to ensure that all academies benefit from the highest standards of technology and support.

 The postholder will operate at a strategic level, providing assurance, oversight and leadership rather than day‑to‑day operational IT support. The role carries significant responsibility for business continuity, cyber security, data protection and the effective delivery of Trust-wide digital services.

 Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• ·         Provide strategic leadership for IT across the Trust, ensuring technology supports educational delivery, operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability
• ·         Act as the Trust’s senior professional lead for IT, cyber security and digital infrastructure
• ·         Provide expert advice to the Executive Team on IT risk, investment, resilience and compliance
• ·         Line manage employed IT staff across the Trust, setting clear objectives, performance standards and development plans
• ·         Lead and manage relationships with third-party IT providers, holding them to account for service quality, performance and value for money
• ·         Establish clear governance, escalation routes and decision-making frameworks for IT-related issues

IT Services

• ·         Provide strategic oversight and assurance of the Trust’s IT services, ensuring systems are reliable, secure, scalable and aligned to Trust priorities.
• ·         Oversee the planning, development and performance of the Trust’s IT services, ensuring they meet agreed standards and service levels
• ·         Provide assurance over network, infrastructure and telecommunications resilience, capacity and future planning
• ·         Monitor third-party service performance, including ticket resolution, SLA compliance and customer satisfaction, intervening where necessary
• ·         Lead the development and delivery of the Trust’s upgrade, maintenance and replacement programmes
• ·         Ensure IT provision across schools is consistent, fit for purpose and supports staff onboarding, offboarding and system access control
• ·         Act as senior incident lead for major IT incidents, ensuring effective response, communication and post-incident review
• ·         Support digital approaches to teaching and learning, including remote access, integrated systems and secure data sharing

Finance/Contracts

• ·         Manage the Trust’s IT budget, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and Academies Handbook
• ·         Undertake appropriate and effective procurement of the provision of supplies and services
• ·         Work with external contractors/providers to ensure that the Trust obtains best value for money
• ·         Manage all IT related contracts and ensure that a register of software and hardware is maintained
• ·         Ensure IT investment decisions align with the Trust’s strategic priorities, risk appetite and long-term digital roadmap
• ·         Drive standardisation and rationalisation of systems where appropriate to improve efficiency and reduce technical debt

Cyber Security

• ·         Act as the Trust’s senior lead for cyber security and information security
• ·         Ensure robust cyber security controls are in place and consistently applied across the Trust
• ·         Lead the Trust’s response to cyber incidents, including coordination with external specialists, insurers and regulators where required
• ·         Maintain oversight of cyber risk, including contribution to the Trust risk register and business continuity planning
• ·         Provide clear guidance and assurance to leaders and staff on cyber security responsibilities and safe working practices

 Policy & Trust Development

• ·         Lead the development, implementation and regular review of Trust-wide IT and digital policies

• ·         Maintain awareness of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and sector best practice, advising the Executive Team accordingly

• ·         Contribute to the ongoing development of central Trust services and cross-Trust improvement initiatives

• ·         Lead or support strategic projects as directed by the Executive Team