At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations and drive continuous improvement across multiple campuses.
- Company: Join New City College, an Ofsted Outstanding institution with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in IT leadership while staying hands-on with technology.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background in IT operations and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70566 - 79200 £ per year.
Location: Group
Pay Range: £70,566 - £79,200 per annum, placement on the scale will be dependent on skills, experience and qualifications.
Hours and weeks: 35 hrs per week, 52 weeks per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Start Date: ASAP
We're seeking a technically credible IT leader who combines deep technical expertise with effective people leadership. This role is ideal for someone who has built their career in infrastructure, platforms, networking or IT operations and progressed into management while maintaining strong hands-on technical knowledge. Unlike a purely strategic or board-level position, this role requires an individual who can provide technical direction, challenge assumptions, support complex projects and act as a senior escalation point for critical operational issues. We're looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical experience, remaining closely connected to technology, service delivery and continuous improvement across a complex IT environment.
The Role:
We are looking for a technically strong and hands-on Deputy Group Director of IT Services to provide senior technical and operational leadership across the College's IT environment. Reporting to the Group Director of IT Services, you will play a key role in ensuring the delivery of secure, resilient and high-performing infrastructure, networks, cloud services, cyber security and end-user technologies across multiple campuses. This is not a purely strategic leadership role. While you will contribute to the development of IT strategy and lead teams across the service, you will also be expected to provide expert technical direction, support major technology projects, challenge technical proposals and act as a senior escalation point for complex operational issues. We are particularly interested in candidates who have progressed from a strong technical background into leadership and who retain the technical credibility to engage confidently with infrastructure, platforms, networking and service delivery teams. This role offers the opportunity to influence the future direction of IT services while remaining closely connected to technology, operational performance and continuous improvement.
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, identity management and end-user technologies.
- Act as the primary technical escalation point for complex infrastructure, systems and operational issues, providing expert guidance and challenge where required.
- Work closely with technical teams on solution design, architecture, technology roadmaps and the evaluation of new technologies.
- Lead the delivery of major infrastructure, cloud, cyber security and digital transformation projects.
- Review and challenge technical proposals, designs and changes, ensuring solutions are secure, resilient, scalable and aligned with organisational objectives.
- Manage and develop IT Managers and specialist teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Monitor service performance, budgets and resources to drive operational excellence and value for money.
- 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 leader with a strong technical foundation and a career history that demonstrates progression from hands-on technical roles into management. You have developed your expertise within enterprise infrastructure, networking, cloud services, cyber security, platforms or IT operations and have retained the technical credibility that comes from practical experience. This role is particularly suited to someone currently working as an Infrastructure Manager, Technical Services Manager, IT Operations Manager, Platform Manager, Technical Architect or similar technical leadership position, who is looking to broaden their strategic influence while remaining closely involved in technology and service delivery. You enjoy solving complex technical challenges and are comfortable engaging with technical specialists, reviewing designs and architectures, supporting major projects and providing direction during critical incidents. Whilst you can operate strategically, you are not someone who wants to be removed from the technical detail entirely. You are a confident and collaborative leader who can inspire teams, build strong stakeholder relationships and translate complex technical information into clear business outcomes. Combining strong operational leadership with deep technical expertise, you bring a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach and a genuine passion for technology, service excellence and continuous improvement.
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 and offers 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.
Deputy Group Director: IT Services (Responsible for technical operations across the group) in London employer: New City College
New City College is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for IT professionals. With a strong focus on employee development, including five CPD days per year and access to industry-standard facilities, staff are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers. The college's commitment to inclusivity, coupled with excellent benefits such as interest-free travel loans and health cash plans, makes it an attractive place to work in the heart of east London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Group Director: IT Services (Responsible for technical operations across the group) in London
✨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 New City College 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 New City College 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 New City College!
✨Direct Apply to New City College
Let's not forget to apply directly through the New City College 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 Deputy Group Director: IT Services (Responsible for technical operations across the group) in London
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 New City College.
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 New City College. 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 New City College
✨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.
