At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop ICT infrastructure for effective teaching and learning.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Hollingworth Learning Trust, focused on making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, generous pension contributions, and family-friendly working practices.
- Other info: Be part of a growing Trust with exciting career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Perfect opportunity for ambitious IT pros to advance in network management and educational tech.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background in ICT management and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40444 - 40444 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an experienced manager and aspiring leader to join our team as School Network Manager. If you are someone who can lead, maintain, and strategically develop our ICT infrastructure for safe, effective use by pupils and staff, ensure our systems support teaching, learning, and business continuity, and effectively manage our IT technicians, you may be the person we are looking for.
The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in ICT management, with a good understanding of network infrastructure, server management, and educational technology. You will lead the School based IT Services team, managing key areas such as helpdesk resolutions, infrastructure upgrades, disaster recovery contingencies, asset registers, and GDPR cybersecurity protections.
You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, possess exceptional technical troubleshooting skills, and serve as a key member of the Support Staff Leadership Team (SSLT). Additionally, your personality and experience will ensure you have excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide clear technical guidance to staff and pupils, conduct ICT training, and negotiate effectively with external suppliers and contractors.
This role is part of the Trust ICT Team which comes with an excellent third line support team on advanced issues and development of its schools ICT development. This gives the successful candidate the support to quickly upskill themselves on the Hollingworth Academy ICT network and will manage the provision of technician support to local Primaries.
About us: We are a friendly and professional team, working from our Central Office in Rochdale. This role is based at Hollingworth Academy. This is an exciting time to join our Trust, as we enter into the next phase of our growth. Hollingworth Learning Trust currently has three academies: Hollingworth Academy, Newhouse Academy and Heap Bridge Primary School, with a view to expand to four academies in Autumn 2026.
Hollingworth Learning Trust’s core purpose is to make a positive difference to the lives of its children. Its role as a sponsor of our schools is to provide the support, challenge, expertise and resources necessary to significantly improve the provision for education in line with our people first ethos. This position is a key link between our schools, the central Trust ICT team, and the digital infrastructure that keeps our learning environments safe, secure, and seamlessly connected.
This is an ideal opportunity for an ambitious IT professional looking to take the next step in their network management and educational technology career.
The Role:
- Contract Information: Permanent. Full-time hours are 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, All Year Round, 8:00am - 3:45pm.
- Start date: As soon as possible.
- Salary: NJC Scale Point range 24-28. FTE equivalent £36,581 - £40,444 per annum.
- Other Benefits: Various health & wellbeing benefits including; discounted gym memberships; health care cash plan; confidential staff counselling; discretionary leave and family friendly working practices and more!
- The Pension provider is the Local Government Pension Scheme, GMPF. The employer contributions are generous and help to provide you and your family with security for your future.
Closing Date: 9.00am on Monday 19th October 2026.
Interview Date: Thursday 22nd October 2026.
Hollingworth Learning Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure and all other pre-employment checks outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Applicants are informed that if appointed to this post their contract of employment will be with the Trust / Academy who is the employer, and not Rochdale Council.
School Network Manager in Rochdale employer: Hollingworth Learning Trust
Hollingworth Academy is an exceptional employer, recognised as the 'Most Inspirational School in Rochdale' and holding the prestigious World Class Schools status. Located conveniently near major transport links, we offer a supportive work environment that prioritises staff well-being, professional development, and family-friendly policies. Join our dedicated team of educators where you can make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying access to excellent facilities, including a free onsite gym.
Contact Details:
Hollingworth Learning Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Network Manager in Rochdale
✨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 Hollingworth Learning Trust 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 Hollingworth Learning Trust 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 Hollingworth Learning Trust!
✨Direct Apply to Hollingworth Learning Trust
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Hollingworth Learning Trust 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 School Network Manager in Rochdale
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 Hollingworth Learning Trust.
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 Hollingworth Learning Trust. 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 Hollingworth Learning Trust
✨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.
