Dataspire partners with schools and multi-academy trusts to build dependable, high-performing technology environments. Our work helps schools operate securely and efficiently, while enabling teachers and students to make the most of technology. We are looking for a Solutions Consultant to design technology solutions that help schools and trusts modernise, secure, and improve their IT environments.
You will work directly with customers to understand their needs and develop solutions across networking, cloud services, security, safeguarding, identity, endpoint management, and infrastructure platforms. You will collaborate closely with Sales, Implementation Services, and Systems Operations to ensure solutions are technically sound, commercially viable and aligned with education-sector best practice, while supporting customers throughout the design and proposal process.
This is a customer-focused technical consulting role for someone who enjoys understanding business challenges, designing practical technology solutions, and helping educational organisations make informed technology decisions that deliver long-term value.
- Lead technical discovery workshops with IT leads, school leaders and internal stakeholders including site assessments and current-state documentation.
- Design end-to-end solutions across networks, wireless, servers, virtualisation, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, identity, security, safeguarding, endpoints, backup and management tooling using Dataspire reference architectures and DfE, NCSC and KCSIE guidance.
- Produce high-quality proposal content including solution overviews, HLDs, scope boundaries, assumptions, acceptance criteria and SOW input.
- Work with Sales and Finance to size, price and package solutions balancing commercial constraints with scalability, supportability and margin.
- Present solution options clearly to both technical audiences and non-technical school leadership.
- Collaborate with Implementation Services before proposal submission to validate deliverability, effort and sequencing.
- Ensure Systems Operations considerations (monitoring, backup, patching, security operations) are included in every design.
- Maintain and improve the solutions knowledge base, design patterns, templates and handover packs.
- Capture lessons learned from delivered projects and feed improvements back into standards.
- Experience in an MSP, education technology, infrastructure delivery or technical consulting environment.
- Ability to translate business and educational outcomes into clear technical designs.
- Good breadth across networking, Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Windows Server, backup, security, wireless or endpoint management.
- Confidence leading customer conversations, running workshops, demos and solution walkthroughs.
- Strong documentation skills. Clear proposals, assumptions and scope boundaries.
- A collaborative "One Team" approach working alongside Sales, Implementation Services and Systems Operations.
- Nice to have: An education-sector background or experience designing IT solutions for schools or MATs.
- Normal hours of work of 37.5 per week.
- Hybrid working (2 days a week in the office)
- 32 days' holiday each year inclusive of bank holidays. (Increases to 33 after 3 years, 34 after 4 years and 35 after 5 years)
- Additional paid Christmas shutdown day.
- Birthday off.
- On-site parking.
- Optional branded workwear.
- Employee Assistance Programme available to support colleagues with wellbeing, mental health, legal, financial and personal advice.
- Structured development framework including:
- Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) aligned to our financial year.
- Monthly 1:1s.
- Pluralsight licence with ringfenced learning time.
- Vendor-led training where needs identified.
- Clear progression path towards Senior Solutions Consultant by owning larger, riskier or multi-site opportunities and reviewing the work of others.
Technologies you'll work with:
- Network and connectivity: HPE Aruba, Cisco Meraki, Ubiquiti.
- Perimeter and edge security: Smoothwall, Securly, Barracuda, Fortinet.
- Servers and virtualisation: Microsoft Windows Server, Hyper-V, VMware (ESXi, vCenter), Dell EMC, HPE ProLiant.
- Collaboration and productivity: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for Education.
- Identity and directory services: Active Directory, Azure AD, Entra ID, IAM Cloud.
- Endpoint management: Autopilot, SCCM, Intune, Google Endpoint Management, JAMF, Lightspeed, MDM.
- Storage and backup: SAN, NAS, S2D, Redstor.
- Remote access and voice: RDS, VPN, 3CX, Microsoft Teams.
- Security, filtering and safeguarding: DfE, Cyber Essentials and KCSIE-aligned platforms.
Why this role matters:
Our mission is to create dependable, high-performing IT environments that give teachers confidence in using technology and help young people access outstanding learning experiences. In this role, every solution you design will directly influence how teachers teach, how students learn and how schools operate safely and efficiently. If you are motivated by the idea of making a tangible difference in education, this is the role for you.
Dataspire is a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels supported, valued and able to perform at their best.
Presales Solutions Architect in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Dataspire Solutions Ltd
At Dataspire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Located in the vibrant area of Manchester, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring our team members have access to continuous professional development and growth opportunities. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the education sector through cutting-edge IT solutions.
