Deputy Group Director of IT Services in Essex

We're seeking a technically credible IT leader who combines strong operational expertise with effective people leadership. This role is ideal for someone who has built their career through hands-on technical roles and progressed into management, while maintaining a deep understanding of enterprise IT environments. Rather than being a purely strategic or board-level position, this opportunity offers the chance to influence the direction of IT services while remaining closely connected to technology, projects and service delivery. We're looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical experience, providing leadership, technical insight and sound judgement across a complex IT landscape.

The Role:

We are looking for a technically strong and hands-on Deputy Group Director of IT Services to help lead the delivery of secure, reliable and innovative IT services across the College. Reporting to the Group Director of IT Services, you will provide operational and technical leadership across infrastructure, networks, cloud services, cyber security and end-user technologies, ensuring IT services meet the needs of staff and students across all campuses.

This is a leadership role with real technical depth, offering the opportunity to shape strategy, lead major projects and drive continuous service improvement while remaining close to operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the operational management and continuous improvement of the College's IT services, ensuring they are secure, resilient and high performing.
• Provide senior technical leadership across infrastructure, networking, cloud platforms, cyber security and end-user technologies.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex technical issues, major incidents and service failures.
• Support the development and implementation of the College's IT Strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
• Lead and support major IT projects, ensuring successful delivery, stakeholder engagement and value for money.
• Manage and develop IT Managers and specialist teams, promoting high standards, accountability and professional growth.
• Monitor performance, service metrics, budgets and resources to drive operational excellence.
• Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery and cyber security practices across the organisation.
• Deputise for the Group Director of IT Services and contribute to wider leadership and strategic decision-making.

Who You Are:

You are an experienced IT professional who has built your career through hands-on technical roles and progressed into leadership, or you are ready to take the next step into a senior management position. You bring strong technical credibility across enterprise infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, cyber security and IT operations, and you enjoy remaining close to technology and service delivery.

Unlike a purely strategic or executive-level leader, you are comfortable rolling up your sleeves when needed, supporting complex projects, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting critical issues and acting as a trusted escalation point for technical teams.

We're particularly interested in candidates who have progressed from a strong technical background and retain the knowledge, credibility and confidence to challenge technical decisions, guide specialists and contribute directly to operational delivery when required. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining leadership responsibilities with practical involvement in technology, projects and service improvement.

You are a collaborative and influential leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of translating complex technical challenges into practical business solutions. Passionate about continuous improvement, innovation and developing high-performing teams, you combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to delivering exceptional IT services.

What We Offer:

• Pension: New City College provides a career average pension scheme for all staff (TPS or LGPS)
• Accessibility: All college sites are easily accessible for wheelchair users and via public transport (bus, DLR, or tube).
• On-Site Facilities: Free access to on-site gym facilities at some campuses and on-site cafes serving subsidised food and drinks.
• Staff Development: Five CPD (Continuing Professional Development) days per year, with access to industry-standard facilities and a collaborative working environment. Leading to opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive setting.
• Financial Perks: Interest-free loans for annual travel season tickets. Health cash plan (reimbursement for dental, optical, and therapy treatments) and a completely confidential
• Employee assistance program. Discounts: Save money on day-to-day expenses, shopping, dining out, DIY, and travel.

About New City College:

New City College is proud to be an Ofsted Outstanding college, the largest in England to receive this top rating. With campuses across east London, south-west Essex, and two language schools, we are a sector leader in further education.

Joining NCC means becoming part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality education and skills that benefit our students and communities. We offer industry-standard facilities, expert staff, and strong partnerships with leading organisations. Our focus on future-ready skills and technology ensures students are well-prepared for higher education or employment, and employers trust us for staff training and development.

Following the merger of seven colleges, NCC has become one of the UK’s most influential FE providers, offering sixth form education, adult learning, apprenticeships, ESOL, EFL and SEND. With a turnover of £130 million, 20,000 students and 1,800 staff, we are a major force in the sector.

We are proud of our inclusive, diverse community and have a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination. As we look ahead, we remain committed to investing in our people and resources to provide an excellent, supportive learning environment that meets the needs of both students and employers.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This does not prevent any other candidate with or without a protective characteristic from applying for our jobs.

As the College supports a number of children and vulnerable adults, all staff are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Accordingly, all staff will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, along with a check of the Children’s Barred List if engaged in regulated activity. Any offers of appointment may be withdrawn if these checks prove unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure will be required as part of the recruitment process. Failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of your DBS certificate may result in the withdrawal of your offer of employment. The College's DBS policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available upon request.