At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage IT systems across multiple academies, ensuring security and reliability.
- Company: Join E-ACT, a dynamic trust dedicated to transforming educational experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and strong professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a people-first culture that values collaboration and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on thousands of students' lives through innovative IT solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 60440 - 65819 € per year.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
Location: This is a trust wide role with regular travel to our academies required. Ideally based near our key hubs in Bristol, London or the Midlands.
We are looking to appoint an experienced Head of IT Systems to own and run the Trust’s core IT systems and infrastructure on an operational basis, ensuring they are secure, reliable, well administered, and consistently supported across all academies.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead day-to-day technical delivery across cybersecurity controls, infrastructure and cloud services, networks and broadband, backups and recovery, endpoint protection, core systems administration, and the technical aspects of supplier support.
- Own operational management of the Trust’s core infrastructure and cloud platforms (for example identity services, email, collaboration platforms, endpoint management, network services, servers, storage).
- Maintain secure configuration baselines and standard builds across Trust-managed systems.
- Lead routine administration, upgrades, patching, and capacity planning for core services.
- Maintain technical documentation, runbooks, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
Pay range: SCP 48 - SCP 52 (£60,440 - £65,819) Permanent, full-time, all year round Trust-wide, with regular travel to academies.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Strong hands-on experience running infrastructure and cloud services at scale, including networks and identity.
- Experience operating cybersecurity controls, including endpoint protection, patching, vulnerability remediation, and incident response support.
- Proven experience leading or supervising technical teams and managing operational delivery priorities.
- Experience in education or another multi-site environment.
Join us in Opening Minds, Opening Doors! Are you ready to step into a rewarding role within one of our dynamic national teams? Whether your expertise lies in Finance, Estates, IT, Operations, or People, we believe in harnessing innovation and collaboration to drive excellence across our trust. We are excited to welcome passionate professionals who want to make a meaningful impact.
Our national teams play a vital role in supporting academies across England. You’ll join a dedicated network that helps shape the educational experience of thousands of children - because their success is at the heart of everything we do.
What are we about?
Join a trust that is going places! At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.
We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and nationally - providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Our achievements are recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, and also the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024. E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour, a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.
With 37 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don’t just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.
Benefits:
- Financial and Lifestyle: We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.
- Professional Growth and Development: We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.
- Culture and Wellbeing: Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.
Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information. Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.
E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Head of IT Systems in Eastville employer: E-ACT
E-ACT is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a competitive financial package, including generous leave and pension schemes. With a people-first culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the educational experiences of over 25,000 pupils across the UK. Join us in shaping bold educational outcomes while enjoying tailored development opportunities and a supportive work environment in key hubs like Bristol, London, or the Midlands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT Systems in Eastville
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who work in education or multi-site environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with infrastructure and cloud services, as well as how you've managed teams and operational priorities in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight how your expertise can contribute to their mission of transforming futures and supporting academies across England.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the educational landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Systems in Eastville
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with IT systems and infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you’re excited about this role! Share your enthusiasm for working in education and how you can contribute to our mission of 'Opening Minds, Opening Doors'. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points shine through. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the Head of IT Systems role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you access to all the information about the role and our trust. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at E-ACT
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the core IT systems and infrastructure mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of cybersecurity controls, cloud services, and network management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of IT Systems, you'll be leading technical teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in operational delivery and how you’ve tackled challenges in multi-site environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential issues related to IT systems and how you would handle them. This could include incident response or managing upgrades and patching. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with E-ACT’s mission and values, especially their focus on 'Opening Minds, Opening Doors'. Be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision of transforming educational outcomes.
