Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school's IT strategy and ensure smooth tech operations.
- Company: A forward-thinking secondary school in Sutton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for continuous improvement and digital transformation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education through innovative technology solutions.
- Qualifications: Significant IT experience in schools and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 49056 - 52194 £ per year.
A forward-thinking secondary school in Sutton is seeking an experienced IT Director to lead its digital strategy, infrastructure and IT services. This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic, solutions-focused professional who can drive innovation while ensuring robust, reliable and secure IT operations across the school.
As IT Director, you'll take full ownership of the school's technology ecosystem — from long-term digital strategy to the smooth running of day-to-day IT services. Working closely with the Headteacher, SLT and School Business Manager, you'll shape the school's digital direction, support teaching and learning, and lead a dedicated IT team.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver a long-term IT strategy aligned with whole-school priorities.
- Lead the implementation of the school's digital vision, including the transition to MS365.
- Support digital innovation in teaching and learning across departments.
- Provide expert guidance on IT development, investment and best practice.
- Technology Infrastructure & Operations
- Oversee all hardware, software, network systems and cloud services.
- Ensure classrooms are fully equipped to meet curriculum and teaching needs.
- Manage software systems, databases, telephony and endpoint devices.
- Deliver reliable, high-quality IT services across the school.
- Project Management
- Lead all IT projects from planning to delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and minimal disruption.
- Security, Data Protection & Compliance
- Act as the school's Privacy and Compliance Officer.
- Manage GDPR processes, DPIAs and compliance procedures.
- Establish and enforce robust cybersecurity protocols to protect data and prevent threats.
- Ensure legal and responsible use of data, copyright and digital systems.
- Staff Development
- Work closely with SLT and departments to understand their technology needs and deliver effective solutions.
- Provide leadership and direction to the IT Department through regular meetings and feedback.
- Deliver in-house staff training to support digital confidence and capability.
- Support end-users with varied digital abilities, including staff and young people.
- Budget & Supplier Management
- Manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
- Oversee suppliers, service contracts and procurement to ensure value for money.
- Recommend future investments based on emerging technologies and school priorities.
- Continuous Improvement
- Stay informed on new and emerging technologies.
- Recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency and digital learning.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives that support teaching, learning and school development.
This role may evolve in line with the needs of the school, and additional duties may be required to support its effective running.
Person Specification- Experience
- Significant IT experience within a school environment.
- Proven IT leadership experience.
- Experience managing IT teams, budgets, suppliers and service contracts.
- Experience developing and implementing IT strategy aligned to organisational goals.
- Experience supporting end-users with varied digital abilities.
- Experience managing cybersecurity risks and safeguarding-related technologies.
- Experience working within an education setting (school, MAT, college or university).
- Knowledge of education systems such as MIS, safeguarding platforms, MDM solutions, Microsoft 365/Azure AD, Google Workspace.
- Experience leading digital transformation to enhance teaching and learning.
- Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of IT infrastructure: networks, servers, cloud services, identity management, endpoint management and cybersecurity.
- Excellent project-management skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines.
- Clear understanding of safeguarding requirements relating to digital systems and online safety.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
- Ability to analyse data to inform decision-making and improve system performance.
- Knowledge of data protection legislation (e.g., UK GDPR) and its application in schools.
- Ability to create robust IT policies, disaster recovery plans and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Aware of emerging ed-tech trends and their potential impact on teaching and learning.
- Experience managing and supporting the Microsoft product stack (Windows 11, Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Entra, Intune).
- Personal Qualities
- Strategic thinker with the ability to create a long-term vision for technology across the school.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, able to motivate and develop teams.
- Calm, solution-focused approach under pressure.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to build positive working relationships across the school community.
- Other Requirements
- Commitment to the school's ethos, values and educational mission.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including attending out-of-hours events or responding to emergencies when required.
- Strong hands-on technical capability to support system integration and provide high-quality support to staff and students.
- Vision and capability to drive forward the school's use of MS365.
IT Director employer: Calculate Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Calculate Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the education and IT sectors. Attend local meetups or online webinars to meet potential colleagues and employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements in IT leadership. This could be anything from successful digital transformations to innovative solutions you've implemented. A strong portfolio can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the school’s current IT setup and think about how you can contribute to their digital strategy. Be ready to discuss your vision for their technology ecosystem and how you can lead their IT team to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that IT Director role. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our forward-thinking team.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in IT leadership and digital strategy. We want to see how your skills align with our school's vision and the specific requirements of the IT Director role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved IT services in previous roles. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your past positions.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calculate Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like MS365 and cybersecurity protocols. Brush up on your knowledge of IT infrastructure and be ready to discuss how you've implemented similar systems in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an IT Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and driven digital transformation in previous roles. Highlight your experience in supporting staff with varied digital abilities.
✨Align with the School's Vision
Research the school’s ethos and values. Be prepared to discuss how your long-term IT strategy can align with their educational mission. Show that you understand the importance of technology in enhancing teaching and learning.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage IT crises or implement new systems under tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.