Service Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive IT Service Engineer to join our Central ICT Operations team at Cabot Learning Federation. This is a varied and impactful role supporting a diverse group of schools across the Somerset cluster, including primary, secondary and specialist provisions. In this pivotal position, you will take ownership of the day‑to‑day delivery of IT systems, services and support across multiple sites, ensuring systems are reliable, secure and aligned with the needs of staff and learners.

You will combine strong technical expertise with strategic input, contributing to wider Trust initiatives and long‑term service improvements. Alongside hands‑on technical work and problem‑solving, you will play a key role in projects ranging from local improvements through to larger Trust‑wide developments, giving you exposure to a wide range of technologies and systems. Your work will directly support teaching, learning and school operations, helping to ensure a consistent and high‑quality digital experience across the Trust.

This is a central hybrid role primarily based within the CLF Somerset cluster, with Monkton Wood Academy likely to be the main working location. The role also supports Kingsmead Academy, where an IT support office is available, alongside regular visits to a number of primary schools and a specialist provision within the cluster, depending on service needs. The successful candidate will be expected to manage their own diary in line with day‑to‑day priorities. This will include a mix of on‑site presence across supported schools, the option to work from IT offices at secondary sites, and the flexibility to work remotely when appropriate. There is no fixed pattern for site attendance; time spent on‑site will vary depending on service demand, project work and incidents. However, the postholder is expected to maintain a regular and visible presence across their schools. Occasional travel to other CLF academies outside of the Somerset cluster may also be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small IT support team within the Somerset cluster, providing guidance, coordination and day‑to‑day oversight.
• Act as a key escalation point for technical and operational issues across multiple sites.
• Work closely with colleagues across the wider CLF ICT team, contributing to projects, sharing best practice and driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other Professional Services teams and colleagues beyond the cluster, reflecting the Trust's joined‑up and collaborative approach.
• Balance operational service delivery with longer‑term improvements, ensuring IT services remain reliable, efficient and fit for purpose.

The role offers a high level of variety and responsibility, requiring someone who is confident managing competing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on service quality and user experience.

Qualifications

• A strong technical background across IT infrastructure, networking, devices and cloud‑based systems.
• Proven experience delivering IT support in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment.
• The ability to lead, support and develop others while remaining hands‑on when required.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and work autonomously.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• A proactive, adaptable and solutions‑focused mindset, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A passion for working in an education environment and supporting inclusive, high‑quality learning through technology.
• A relevant IT qualification (Level 3 or above), or equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills (including GCSE Maths and English or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft environments, including Windows 10/11, Active Directory and Office 365.
• Experience with networking concepts such as LAN/WAN, VLANs, firewalls and wireless technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies, device management systems and modern security practices.
• An understanding of IT service management principles (e.g. ITIL) and best practice in delivering ICT support.
• A commitment to keeping up to date with emerging technologies, security standards and developments in IT within education.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and therefore encourage applications from under‑represented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

Benefits

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in‑role/wider‑trust development opportunities.
• Well‑being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site parking and many more.