Head of IT

Reports to: Deputy Chief Executive

Reportees: Principal/Lead Developer, Data Analyst, MIS Manager

Location: Cadet Vocational College Head Office, Frimley Surrey (Hybrid)

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and deliver a digital and IT strategy aligned with the charity’s mission.
• Advise senior leadership on digital opportunities and risks.
• Monitor developments in tech to drive innovation and value for money.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee and manage outsourced IT support services.
• Ensure IT infrastructure, software and data systems are robust, secure, and meet user needs, creating and implementing clear roadmaps to ensure all systems are kept in support and up to date.
• Maintain up-to-date IT policies, cyber security protocols, and risk management plans.
• Manage tech budgets, procurement, and vendor relationships.

Team and Project Management:

• Lead and support internal tech/data staff.
• Manage digital and IT projects from concept to implementation.
• Work with teams to understand needs and deliver effective technical solutions.

Being CVC:

• Attend training, meetings and networking events as and when required.
• Adhere to the core values set for the whole organisation.
• Promote the College in a positive manner, including Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values.
• Maintain the quality standards set by the College.
• Be aware of the College’s policies and ensure they are not contravened e.g. GDPR, Health & Safety, IT.
• Ability to use the College’s IT systems specific to job role including HR Toolkit.

Financial Management:

• Ensure that incremental costs of software development and maintenance activities are identified and reviewed with the Finance Director before committing the College to additional expenditure.
• Identify and implement opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings, after assessing and reaching a consensus on any potential impact that the savings might have on IT systems users.

Training and Development:

• Appropriate training will be given as necessary.

Relationship Management:

• The post holder should maintain good communication with all colleagues both remotely and at Cadet Vocational College HQ.
• Will maintain a strong professional relationship with partners and suppliers ensuring value for money and quality of service.
• Will be expected to help build trust and respect within the organisation.

General:

• Full-time, 37.5 hours/week.
• 23 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification - Qualifications and experience required for this role:

Essential:

• Significant experience in IT, digital or data leadership.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Technical knowledge: relational databases, MIS/VLEs and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to communicate technical matters clearly to non-technical audiences.

Desirable:

• Experience in education or charity sectors.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Moodle, UNIT-e, ProAchieve, Crystal Reports.

This role profile is not exhaustive; any other duties may be expected as appropriate to the post holder’s grading and ability. The role is subject to an annual performance review and may also be subject to periodic review and amended to meet the changing needs of the business. The post holder will be expected to participate in this process and we would aim to reach agreement to the changes.

Safeguarding: As a training provider, CV College believes in supporting all aspects of children and young people’s development and learning, and keeping children safe. Our policy aims to provide all CV College staff (full time, part time or contract), with a clear and secure framework for ensuring that all children and young persons engaged in CV College activities and training are protected from harm. All applicants must be willing to undergo Child Protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Internet / Social Media Checks: Please be aware that CV College will carry out an internet search including social media channels to establish that you are an individual who meets our organisational standards and expectations.

Method of Application: Your application form detailing why you are suitable for the role together with the details of two referees one of which must be your current/last employer or Head teacher and the second is not a family member or personal friend, to be sent to the HR department, CV College, 3 Archipelago, Lyon Way, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7ER or the email you received the details from. You may include a CV as additional information although the application form must be completed in full.