At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Trust's IT and digital strategy, driving innovation and transformation.
- Company: Keys Academies Trust, a collaborative organisation growing through merger.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension schemes, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the digital future of education and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience with expertise in infrastructure and cyber security.
The predicted salary is between 42787 - 52295 £ per year.
Keys Academies Trust is seeking to appoint a Director of IT and Digital to provide strategic and operational leadership of the Trust's IT and digital environment. Working closely with the Trust Executive, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Trust's digital strategy. This is an exciting time to join our Trust as we grow through a merger with Thomas Deacon Education Trust, creating a strong organisation built on collaboration.
We are looking for an exceptional leader who can shape our digital future, bring innovation and technical expertise, and ensure our technology supports the needs and ambitions of our growing Trust. The successful candidate will be an experienced IT leader with a proven track record of delivering digital transformation, leading teams and managing technology across complex organisations. They will have strong expertise in IT infrastructure, cyber security and digital systems, alongside excellent strategic, communication and relationship building.
Salary will be paid at Grade 16, pt 54 - 59. (£69,665 - £75,893)
Role: Permanent, Full Time - 37 Hours, 52 Weeks
Location: Schools across the Trust
Start Date: January 2027 or by negotiation
- Generous Holiday Allowance
- Generous Occupational Pension Schemes
- Professional Development and extensive CPD programmes
- Perkbox employee benefits platform providing big discounts on shopping, dining and entertainment
- Generous sickness benefits to support you in a time of need
- Free on-site parking across the Trust
- On-site nursery provision
- Free on-site annual flu vaccination scheme
- 24/7 free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Online GP Assistance
- Wellbeing programme and support
Closing date: Monday 16 November 2026 at 09.00 am
Director of IT and Digital in England employer: Keys Academies Trust
Keys Academies Trust is an excellent employer, offering a flexible working environment that allows you to balance your professional and personal life while gaining valuable insights into school governance. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development, alongside benefits such as pension contributions and life assurance, making it a rewarding place to work in the heart of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of IT and Digital in England
✨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 Keys Academies 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 Keys Academies 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 Keys Academies Trust!
✨Direct Apply to Keys Academies Trust
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Keys Academies 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 Director of IT and Digital in England
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 Keys Academies 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 Keys Academies 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 Keys Academies 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.
