Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school's digital strategy and ensure smooth IT operations.
- Company: A forward-thinking secondary school in Sutton with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing digital learning and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning through technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience and strong understanding of educational technology.
The predicted salary is between 49056 - 52194 £ per year.
Location: Secondary School, Sutton
Salary: £49,056 – £52,194 (P04, points 35–38)
Hours: 8.00am–4.00pm, Monday to Friday (45-minute unpaid break)
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.
The Role
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Essential:
- Significant IT experience within a school environment.
Experience
Essential:
- 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.
Desirable:
- 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
Essential:
- 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.
Desirable:
- 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.
- Awareness 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
Essential:
- 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
Essential:
- 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 in Sutton employer: Calculate Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Calculate Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Director in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local education tech events or meetups to connect with other IT professionals. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements in IT leadership. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply, engage! When you find a job on our website, take the time to reach out to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like it’s a big project! Research the school’s current IT setup and think about how you can contribute to their digital strategy. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their needs.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Director in Sutton
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 strategy. We want to see how your skills align with our school's digital vision!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved IT services in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your technical expertise and how it relates to supporting teaching and learning. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calculate Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As an IT Director, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and digital strategy. Brush up on your knowledge of networks, servers, cloud services, and the Microsoft product stack. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these technologies in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've led IT teams, managed projects, and supported end-users with varied digital abilities. Highlight your experience in developing IT strategies that align with organisational goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about past challenges you've faced in IT management and how you overcame them. Be ready to explain your approach to cybersecurity and data protection, especially in a school environment.
✨Align with the School's Vision
Research the school's ethos and values before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your vision for technology can support their educational mission. Show enthusiasm for driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance teaching and learning across the school.