At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and service delivery across multiple academies.
- Company: Join E-ACT, a dynamic trust transforming educational experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension schemes, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a people-first culture that champions diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on thousands of children's education.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in IT and strong cybersecurity background required.
The predicted salary is between 90538 - 104877 € per year.
Location: This is a trust wide role with regular travel to our academies, ideally based near one of our key hubs in Bristol, London or the Midlands.
We are looking to appoint a National Director of IT to lead the Trust’s IT function, setting technical direction and service standards, and ensuring reliable, secure, and well-managed IT services across all academies.
Key responsibilities:
- Set the Trust’s technical direction and IT service strategy.
- Define and maintain an IT service catalogue, clarifying what is provided Trust-wide, service expectations, and local responsibilities.
- Define service standards, operating processes, and escalation routes.
- Lead Trust-wide IT planning, including lifecycle and roadmap delivery.
- Line manage IT Business Partner(s) and central infrastructure teams.
Pay range: SCP 65 - SCP 71 (£90,538 - £104,877)
Permanent, full-time, all year round. Trust-wide, with regular travel to academies.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Senior leadership experience in IT across a multi-site organisation.
- Experience setting technical direction and running IT service delivery at scale.
- Strong background in cybersecurity controls and incident response.
- Relevant IT qualification or equivalent experience.
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.
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. 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.
National Director of IT 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 National Director of IT 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 organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust’s values and recent achievements. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your vision aligns with our mission of 'Opening Minds, Opening Doors'.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in IT leadership and service delivery can transform our academies. We want to hear how you’ll set the technical direction and elevate our IT services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace National Director of IT in Eastville
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of National Director of IT. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership position, don’t forget to emphasise your previous leadership experiences in IT. Share specific examples of how you've set technical direction and managed teams effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at E-ACT
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a National Director of IT, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of IT service delivery and technical direction. Brush up on the latest trends in cybersecurity and IT management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led IT initiatives in multi-site organisations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership experience, so prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage teams and drive strategic IT planning. Think about times when you’ve defined service standards or improved IT processes, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand the Trust’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with E-ACT's 'Opening Minds, Opening Doors' strategy. Be prepared to discuss how your vision for IT aligns with their goals of breaking down barriers and building pathways to success. This shows you’re not just a tech expert but also a cultural fit.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Trust’s IT challenges and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to innovation and collaboration in IT services.
