At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT projects to enhance technology services for students and staff.
- Company: Join the Harris Federation, a leader in social mobility and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while growing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
We are seeking an IT Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and software projects across the Harris Federation. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in enhancing technology services that support students, teachers and staff, helping to create outstanding learning environments. Working closely with internal teams, academy leaders and external partners, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering projects on time, within budget and to agreed specifications. From project initiation through to operational handover, you will ensure solutions are implemented smoothly and deliver lasting value to our schools. If you are passionate about driving change, building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering projects that make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Managing IT projects from initiation through to successful delivery, ensuring timescales and budgets are met
- Supporting the development and delivery of the annual IT project programme
- Leading technology projects including infrastructure upgrades, lifecycle refreshes, cybersecurity and digital transformation initiatives
- Planning, coordinating and monitoring project activities, risks and dependencies
- Maintaining project documentation and securing necessary approvals
- Managing project budgets and ensuring cost-effective delivery
- Coordinating with stakeholders to define requirements, timelines and success measures
- Supporting procurement activities, including vendor selection and tender processes
- Facilitating the smooth transition of completed projects into operational use
- Collaborating with IT teams, academy leaders and staff to understand and meet technology needs
- Working closely with IT Operations, Estates, Finance and Procurement teams to align project delivery
- Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
- Supporting change management activities and helping users adopt new systems and processes successfully
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Qualifications to degree level, or equivalent experience
- Project management certification such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), or equivalent
- At least three years' experience managing IT projects, ideally in infrastructure, security, data or digital transformation
- Experience working on projects with budgets in the hundreds of thousands to millions of pounds
- Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve IT-related challenges
- Confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels and translating technical details into clear business language
- Experience in risk management, budgeting and procurement
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice: The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed. The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
IT Project Manager in Croydon employer: Harris Federation
The Harris Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As a Behaviour Intervention Coach at Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to safeguarding. Located in a vibrant community, this role provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about education and student support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Project Manager in Croydon
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Harris Federation values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Harris Federation might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Harris Federation!
✨Direct Apply to Harris Federation
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Harris Federation website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Project Manager in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Harris Federation.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Harris Federation. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
