Head of IT Systems

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of IT Systems to provide day-to-day management of the School’s IT systems. The Bursar requires the Head of IT Systems to lead, manage, and develop the delivery of IT services to meet the performance standards required of an outstanding school. The Head of IT Systems will be responsible for strategic and operational management of the IT service delivery, data and cyber security, infrastructure and facilities of the whole School. This role is pivotal in the implementation of the IT strategy and vision.

The Head of IT Systems will ensure the school has a robust and stable platform to enhance the experience of teaching, learning, and administration. While this position would suit someone experienced in working in an educational setting, this is not essential. We seek a knowledgeable, highly adaptive problem solver with an excellent understanding of high-level customer service.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• To undertake routine network maintenance at specified intervals, implementing security and virus protection measures, setting up and maintaining user accounts and user groups, and maintaining logs of usage/faults as required;
• To plan for major developments of the IT service and project manage their implementation;
• To support the full range of financial planning for IT and help to estimate future budget requirements, including 5-year plans and forecasts to support lifecycle renewal plan;
• To lead, motivate and develop the IT team to provide excellent services embracing best practices, innovation, continuous improvement, development in technology, robust solutions, security of systems and delivery;
• To lead the development and implementation of IT strategy and revise the strategy as appropriate, being a key member of the SHF Technology Steering Committee to support the school’s education strategic goals;
• Work with EiM Head Office IT on strategy and guidelines in developing IT strategy and services.
• To maintain the school’s IT hardware;
• To manage the School’s IT assets and software inventory;
• To manage the capital and operational budgeting for IT Services;
• To assist with the development and implementation of relevant IT policies, best practice IT control points, procedures and processes in line with current and future national policy and compliance with all relevant regulations, guidance and legislation, including data protection and safeguarding security;
• The Head of IT Systems will be the responsible Data Protection Officer, ensuring that the organisation processes the personal data of staff, pupils, visitors, or any other individuals in compliance with the applicable data protection rules.
• To work with the DSL on an e-safety education programme and ensure that the ICT Acceptable Use Policy is operated effectively;
• To test and install new software, hardware and peripherals within the level of competence;
• To provide a support role to all school staff, including user account management and IT helpdesk functions;
• To check regularly and maintain peripheral equipment such as scanners, printers, whiteboards, and projectors to ensure that these are functioning and available to users;
• To manage the ordering of equipment, materials and consumables as required to ensure that value for money is obtained, appropriate levels of stock are held, and replacement supplies are obtained before stock runs out;
• To set up portable ICT equipment as required by staff to support lessons, school events or extra-curricular activities;
• To ensure that correct and safe procedures are used during the preparation and setting up of equipment;
• To undertake risk assessments for Display Screen Equipment users and advise on safe use;
• Manage the VoIP telephone system for internal and external communications;
• Liaise with the school’s off-site IT support contractors before significant projects or when local knowledge is insufficient to resolve issues;
• To advise on strategic IT policy and actively contribute to developing the school’s IT infrastructure.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• To line-manage the IT Technician, promote teamwork, encourage motivation, and set realistic and agreed-upon targets.
• To be responsible for the effective Appraisal and Performance Management of IT Support Staff and ensuring training plans are prepared and monitored.
• To undertake any other duties as requested by the Bursar and Senior Management Team and commensurate with the post.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We would like the successful candidate to have experience in the following –

• Google Cloud or Google Workspace, MS365;
• Cyber Security best practices – including endpoint protection and vulnerability management;
• Cambium Access Points;
• Ubiquiti and Cisco Switches;
• IP Cortex Telephone system;
• Chromebook and Windows OS devices;
• VMware system;
• HP Servers and SAN storage system;
• 1st – 3rd line support;
• Educational, technical support;
• Active Directory, DNS & DHCP – All general tasks;
• Windows Server – Deploy, Configure, Maintain;
• Network Administration – Switch configuration, vLANs, Trunks, etc. (Experience with Cisco & / OR Dell would be beneficial);
• Firewall / Web Filtering – Administration & Maintenance (Ideally Smoothwall);
• Wi-Fi Network – Administration & Maintenance;
• Experience in documentation, producing highly detailed technical documents outlining and explaining the system, service or network;
• Ability to communicate higher up the chain (to non-IT professionals) with regard to system outages, upgrades, new services, etc.

How to apply

Closing Date for Applications: 12 noon Monday 17th February 2025

Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to interview outstanding candidates before the closing date. Interviews to be held w/c 24th March 2025.

To apply, please complete the Sherfield School Application Form along with a short covering letter or email which sets out your interest in the role, and send your application form and cover letter to:

Job Summary

17/03/2025

Location:

Sherfield-on-Loddon

Sherfield School
Reading Road
Sherfield on Loddon
Hook
Hampshire
RG27 0HU
England

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