At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital services to enhance teaching and operational effectiveness across multiple schools.
- Company: Established multi-academy trust with a strong reputation for educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available with free parking at the office.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education through innovative digital strategies and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience in the education sector, ideally within a multi-academy trust.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 68500 € per year.
Your new company
This established multi-academy trust has a network of primary and early years schools across several local authorities in the West Midlands, with the head office based in Worcester. Formed over 10 years ago, it has grown into a collaborative family of around 16 schools, serving more than 5,500 pupils and employing over 850 staff, with further growth plans for the coming years. The organisation has a strong reputation for improving school performance, with all its academies rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and its work is guided by a mission to deliver exceptional education and provide the highest levels of support to pupils, staff, and school communities. This commitment is underpinned by an emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and consistent, high-quality central services. The trust is ambitious, forward-looking, and continues to expand its reach and influence and as part of its long-term strategy, it is investing in strengthening central functions such as IT, which has prompted their search for a Head of Digital Services.
Your new role
Reporting to the CFO, this newly created role of Head of Digital Services will take responsibility for the delivery of a trust-wide digital vision that enhances teaching, learning and operational effectiveness. You will oversee secure, reliable and high-performing digital services across multiple sites, leading in cyber security, infrastructure, systems development and service performance. Working closely with senior leaders, you will translate organisational priorities into a cohesive digital strategy, build and develop an in-house IT and digital function, and drive continuous improvement to ensure technology is used purposefully, sustainably and in the best interests of staff and pupils. You will act as the senior escalation point for digital risk, lead the transition towards a more scalable service model, and ensure digital operations remain robust, future-focused and aligned with wider organisational growth ambitions. A key part of this role will be the development of both the central IT service, and the central IT team, ensuring that this represents the values and ambitions of the wider trust and team. Please note this role does require you to be based on site (with free parking), however they can offer a hybrid working model.
What you'll need to succeed
In order to be successful in securing this position, you will be an established IT leader from the education sector already working in a multi-site role, ideally with multi-academy trust experience. From a technical perspective, you will be experienced in Microsoft 365, as well as ideally having exposure to Arbor, and it is essential that you have previously been responsible for digital strategy. You will be an excellent collaborator who takes pride in delivering a high level of IT service and who has a passion for this sector, as well as building and leading a team of IT professionals.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will be paid a competitive salary of between £65,000 and £68,500 dependent on experience as an IT leader in the education sector and in a multi-site role. You will be joining a team of ambitious individuals which will allow you to further develop your own skill set and therefore your own career, growing with the organisation as they take on additional schools over the coming years. You will also receive either 26 or 31 days holiday (plus
Head of IT in Worcester employer: HAYS Specialist Recruitment
As a leading multi-academy trust based in Worcester, this organisation is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration, professional development, and the delivery of high-quality education. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the digital landscape across multiple schools while enjoying a supportive work culture and competitive benefits, including a hybrid working model and generous holiday entitlement. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of over 5,500 pupils and their communities.
Contact Detail:
HAYS Specialist Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in Worcester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with digital strategy and IT leadership. Share specific examples of how you've improved services or led teams in the past. We want to see your passion for tech and education shine through!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview, do your homework on the trust and its schools. Understand their digital needs and challenges, and think about how you can contribute to their mission. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested and have done their research!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the education sector, so let’s get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of IT role. Highlight your experience in digital strategy and multi-site management, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about education and how your leadership can enhance our digital services. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Mention your experience with Microsoft 365 and any other relevant tools like Arbor. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our digital vision.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS Specialist Recruitment
✨Know Your Digital Vision
Make sure you understand the trust's digital vision and how it aligns with their educational goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience in developing digital strategies can enhance teaching and learning across multiple sites.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Head of Digital Services, collaboration is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with senior leaders and teams in the past to implement IT solutions that meet organisational needs. Highlight your ability to translate priorities into actionable plans.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft 365 and any relevant systems like Arbor. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've led digital transformations or improved IT services, showcasing your technical skills and leadership in a multi-site environment.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your commitment to continuous improvement in IT services. Share examples of how you've driven innovation and sustainability in previous roles, ensuring that technology serves the best interests of both staff and pupils.
