Head of Systems in Sutton Coldfield

Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA

Working Pattern: Full Time, 36 hours a week, 8.45am - 4.30pm M-Th, 8.45am - 4.15pm F

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Supporting our academies and college, OHC&AT also operates learning support services, such as nursing and therapy, and a central business support team which includes HR, finance and IT.

Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. These include autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication difficulties; social, emotional and mental health needs; profound and multiple learning disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health conditions.

We are looking for a Head of Systems to lead the strategic development, governance and integration of the Trust's business and education systems. This senior role will ensure our systems and data infrastructure support organisational priorities, operational efficiency and digital transformation across the Trust.

• Lead systems governance, compliance and security by developing and implementing frameworks, policies and standards that ensure Trust systems meet statutory, regulatory, safeguarding and data protection requirements.
• Develop and deliver the Trust's systems data strategy, ensuring high standards of data quality, governance and reporting to support statutory returns, organisational insight and effective decision-making.
• Oversee the Trust's systems portfolio, ensuring platforms are secure, resilient and optimised for operational efficiency, while leading system integration, upgrades and continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts, holding vendors to account for performance, security and value for money while overseeing service delivery, licensing, renewals and commercial risk.
• Lead and develop the systems team, driving user enablement, training and adoption across the Trust while working with senior leaders and stakeholders to ensure systems meet operational and strategic needs.

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in IT, systems management, or related field.
• Proven experience in systems leadership within education, public sector, or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of system integration, data governance, and compliance.
• Expert knowledge of enterprise-level system architecture, data governance, and risk management.
• An individual with strong collaborative leadership skills.

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme).
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more).
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme).

Find out what makes OHC&AT a truly rewarding place to work – visit our 'Work for Us' page to learn more about opportunities across the Trust and the difference our staff make every day.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHC&AT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

OHC&AT reserves the right to close the application process early should a suitable candidate be identified. We strongly advise applying as soon as possible.

Interviews will take place on: W/C 13th April 2026.

To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.