Deputy IT Manager in Chelmsford

New Hall School is seeking to appoint a Deputy IT Manager for the leadership and operational support of the School’s IT services. This role is central to the School’s effective and secure use of technology, supporting teaching, learning, and administrative functions across the School. The Deputy IT Manager role serves as a key support to the IT Manager, deputising when required and assisting in leading and coordinating the work of the IT Team to ensure the effective, efficient and safe operation of technology across the School. This role would suit an ambitious individual seeking career development and aspiring to progress to an IT Manager position in the future. The successful candidate will bring a strong IT background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships within the school community.

Key responsibilities:

• To support and contribute to the Catholic ethos of the School and its strategic aims.
• To support the day-to-day management of IT operations to ensure reliable and efficient services.
• To support the administration of servers, backup systems, and network infrastructure.
• To monitor system performance and resolve technical and infrastructure issues.
• To maintain the school’s asset inventory, including hardware, software, and licences.
• To support the enforcement of IT security policies and ensure compliance with data protection legislation.
• To assist with cybersecurity activities, risk management, and compliance objectives.
• To maintain accurate system documentation and support Subject Access Request processes.
• To act as an escalation point for complex technical issues and support the technical support team.
• To liaise with staff to understand IT requirements and provide advice, guidance, and training.
• To support the planning, delivery, and prioritisation of IT projects, including cloud migration and new technologies.
• To support the IT Manager in leading, developing, and deputising for the IT team, including staff development and policy implementation.

The successful candidate will be expected:

• To demonstrate a commitment to supporting the values and ethos of a Catholic independent boarding and day school, building positive relationships across the School community.
• To hold a degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in an IT-related discipline, with relevant professional certifications.
• To have experience in a senior IT role, with responsibility for IT projects, technical change, and continuous improvement.
• To have strong knowledge of Windows desktop and server environments, cloud services (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace), and IT security principles.
• To possess excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver effective technical solutions.
• To have experience implementing or managing innovative technologies, including AI tools, data analytics, or digital transformation projects.
• To have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• To have experience within a school or educational environment, including knowledge of educational MIS platforms (e.g. iSAMS), although this is desirable rather than essential.
• To be able to manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively as part of a small team.

What New Hall offers:

• 35 days’ holiday (including bank holidays).
• Excellent benefits & CPD.
• Lunch without charge in term time.
• Discounted annual membership for New Hall Sport Club.

New Hall School offers an exceptional working environment. The main campus occupies the stunning Grade I listed former Tudor palace of Beaulieu. The School’s conference and events venue is at the Grade I listed Boreham House, one mile away. New Hall is a warm, welcoming, and supportive community, with a staff of around 300. Beaulieu Park railway station is at the entrance to New Hall’s Avenue: 30 minutes to Stratford and 38 minutes to London Liverpool Street. The Elizabeth Line at Shenfield (13 minutes by train) terminates at Heathrow airport. There are nearby airports: London Stansted, London Southend and London City.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of this advertisement. All adults employed by the New Hall School have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations. All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview. As well as verification of identity, we ask all successful candidates to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). New Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

SAFEGUARDING AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.