At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate IT strategies to enhance education across the Trust.
- Company: Stephenson (MK) Trust, dedicated to improving educational technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mileage reimbursement, and a chance to shape future tech in education.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with senior leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning experiences through technology.
- Qualifications: Proven IT management experience and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Stephenson (MK) Trust is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking and solutions-focused Trust IT Manager to lead the strategic development and day-to-day delivery of technology across the Trust. This is an exciting opportunity for an IT professional who wants to make a genuine impact in education. You will play a key role in ensuring that our technology is secure, reliable, responsive and fit for the future, enabling staff, pupils and leaders to work effectively across our academies. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight.
You will lead the Trust’s IT function, support the development of a consistent and high-quality service across all sites, and work closely with senior leaders to ensure that technology supports both operational effectiveness and educational outcomes.
The Role
As Trust IT Manager, you will:
- Develop and lead a multi-year Trust-wide IT strategy aligned with organisational and educational priorities.
- Review and modernise the Trust’s technology landscape, including infrastructure, systems, devices, data and cybersecurity.
- Lead a consistent approach to IT systems, infrastructure and service delivery across the Trust.
- Support compliance with relevant DfE digital, technology and cybersecurity standards.
- Oversee the security, reliability and performance of networks, servers, Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, devices and core systems.
- Lead the Trust’s approach to cybersecurity, filtering, monitoring, backup, disaster recovery and business continuity.
- Manage IT service delivery to ensure staff and pupils receive a responsive, professional and effective support service.
- Oversee key systems including MIS, telephony, printing, digital signage, websites and learning platforms.
- Manage IT suppliers, contracts, licensing, procurement, stock and the Trust’s IT budget.
- Lead, support and develop the Trust IT team.
- Deliver major technology projects, upgrades, migrations and system implementations.
- Advise senior leaders on emerging technologies, risks, opportunities and future investment.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, security, consistency and user experience across the Trust.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for an IT professional who can combine technical expertise, leadership and strategic thinking. You will ideally bring:
- Significant experience in an IT management or senior IT role.
- Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, networks, cloud technologies and Microsoft 365.
- Experience of cybersecurity, backup, disaster recovery and data protection.
- A strong understanding of IT service management, technical compliance and risk.
- Experience managing suppliers, budgets, contracts and technology projects.
- Strong problem-solving, judgement and decision-making skills.
- The ability to explain technical issues clearly and practically to non-technical colleagues.
- Experience of leading, developing and supporting IT staff.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement and emerging technology.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience within an education environment or multi-site organisation would be advantageous.
Why join us?
This is more than a traditional IT support role. You will have the opportunity to shape the Trust’s technology direction, strengthen cybersecurity, modernise systems and build an IT service that is consistent, responsive and future-focused. You will work closely with senior leaders and academy teams, helping to ensure that technology is not simply maintained, but is used purposefully to improve how our schools operate and how our staff and pupils are supported. The role will involve travel between Trust sites across Milton Keynes, with mileage paid in line with Trust arrangements.
Safeguarding
Stephenson MK Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and other pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance, including KCSIE. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Trust IT Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Stephenson (Mk) Trust
At Stephenson (MK) Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the education sector. As a Trust IT Manager, you will not only lead the strategic development of technology but also enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and continuous improvement. With opportunities to shape the future of our academies and a commitment to safeguarding, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic environment across Milton Keynes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trust IT Manager in Milton Keynes
✨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 Stephenson (Mk) Trust values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
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Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Stephenson (Mk) 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.
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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 Stephenson (Mk) Trust!
✨Direct Apply to Stephenson (Mk) Trust
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Stephenson (Mk) 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 Trust IT Manager in Milton Keynes
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 Stephenson (Mk) 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 Stephenson (Mk) 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 Stephenson (Mk) 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.
