At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative IT solutions for schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK.
- Company: Fast-growing tech group with a strong reputation in the education sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent long-term growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by enhancing IT systems and supporting schools.
- Qualifications: Senior IT experience in education and strong technical knowledge required.
Location: Hybrid, with travel to education sites across the UK
Working pattern: 2 to 3 days per week from home
Role type: Permanent
About the company
Our client is a fast-growing UK technology group providing managed IT services, cloud, infrastructure, cyber security, communications, and business technology solutions. The business has a strong reputation within the education sector, supporting schools, academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts with secure, scalable, and reliable IT solutions. MFK Recruitment has recruited 46 IT professionals across the group over the past six years, with 31 still employed within the company, reflecting the progression, stability, and long-term opportunities available.
The role
We are looking for an experienced and technically strong Education Solutions Consultant to design, scope, and support the delivery of technology solutions for schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK. This is a senior technical role sitting between consultancy, pre-sales, solution design, and delivery oversight. It is not purely pre-sales and not purely hands-on delivery. You will take ownership of the technical solution from discovery and design through to high-level delivery oversight and technical sign-off.
The successful candidate will ideally have held a senior IT role within education, such as IT Manager, Network Manager, Senior Network Manager, Head of IT, or Education IT Consultant. You will understand how IT operates within schools, academies, or trusts, and be confident engaging with senior stakeholders, internal technical teams, and customers. The role is hybrid, with 2 to 3 days per week from home. You will need a full UK driving licence, access to your own car, and the ability to travel to different education sites across the UK.
Key responsibilities
- Design technical solutions for schools, academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts
- Lead technical discovery sessions with customers and stakeholders
- Review existing customer environments and provide roadmap recommendations
- Produce high-level solution designs, implementation scopes, and technical recommendations
- Align solutions with DfE Digital and Technology Standards, Cyber Essentials, GDPR, safeguarding considerations, and security best practice
- Provide high-level oversight during implementation projects
- Work with Project Engineers and Project Managers to ensure technical delivery quality
- Act as an escalation point for complex deployments
- Perform technical sign-off on completed solutions
- Ensure solutions can be supported by Service Desk and Managed Services teams
- Produce and maintain solution designs, network diagrams, migration plans, technical standards, and implementation documentation
Skills and experience required
- Previous senior IT experience within the education sector
- Background as an IT Manager, Network Manager, Senior Network Manager, Head of IT, Education IT Consultant, or similar
- Strong understanding of school, academy, or Multi-Academy Trust IT environments
- Experience designing, managing, or improving IT solutions across education sites
- Strong technical knowledge across networking, infrastructure, cloud, security, and end-user computing
- Good knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure, Active Directory, Intune, Windows Server, networking, firewalls, wireless, switches, VLANs, and site connectivity
- Understanding of cyber security requirements within education
- Ability to engage confidently with school leaders, business managers, IT teams, and technical stakeholders
- Experience creating technical documentation, scopes, designs, or project recommendations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Full UK driving licence, own car, and willingness to travel across the UK
Desirable experience
- Experience working for an education-focused MSP
- Knowledge of DfE Digital and Technology Standards
- Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus knowledge
- Experience supporting tenders, bids, or technical presentations
- Microsoft, networking, cyber security, or cloud certifications
- Experience with cloud migrations, wireless refreshes, server upgrades, security improvements, or wider infrastructure projects
Personal attributes
The successful candidate will be technically strong, consultative, and confident working with education customers. You will understand the pressures and priorities within schools and trusts, and be able to design practical technology solutions that improve reliability, security, and user experience. You will be comfortable speaking with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, explaining recommendations clearly, and taking ownership of the technical solution from discovery through to sign-off.
Education IT Solutions Consultant in Reigate employer: MFK Recruitment
As a fast-growing technology group, our client offers a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong reputation in the education sector, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while engaging with schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that team members are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education IT Solutions Consultant in Reigate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend education tech events, webinars, and local meetups. It's all about making connections with people in the industry who can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous projects and solutions you've designed for schools or trusts. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Prepare a short, engaging summary of your experience and how it aligns with the role. Be ready to discuss your technical knowledge and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for someone just like you. Don't miss out on the chance to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Education IT Solutions Consultant in Reigate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Education IT Solutions Consultant role. Highlight your relevant experience in the education sector and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention specific technologies you’ve worked with, like Microsoft 365 or cloud solutions, and how they relate to the needs of schools and Multi-Academy Trusts.
Engage with the Company’s Values:Research our company and reflect our values in your application. Show us that you understand the importance of secure and reliable IT solutions in education and how you can contribute to that mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at MFK Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around networking, cloud solutions, and security. Be ready to discuss specific technologies like Microsoft 365, Azure, and how they apply to education settings. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools but can also leverage them effectively.
✨Understand the Education Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and trends in the education sector. Knowing about DfE Digital and Technology Standards or Cyber Essentials will give you an edge. It’s crucial to demonstrate that you understand the unique pressures schools face and how your solutions can alleviate them.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or design solutions on the spot. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently. This will help interviewers see your consultative approach and how you engage with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Bring examples of how you've successfully communicated technical information in the past, as this will highlight your ability to bridge the gap between tech and education.
