At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT support in schools, troubleshoot issues, and manage software and hardware.
- Company: Join the innovative Watergrove Trust, dedicated to community and tech advancement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, flexible leave, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities within 2 years and access to various training programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your IT skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for technology are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Academy IT Lead to work within the Watergrove Trust’s dynamic and innovative IT department. We will offer you the opportunity to work as part of an award winning team working across our primary and secondary academy settings, leading the excellent IT support provision for one of our academies.
It is important to us to find the right kind of person for this dynamic role. Your problem solving and interpersonal skills are as important as your technical ability. IT professionals need to be able to interact successfully with others, as well as providing technical support and experience working with machines.
We will be looking for those who are keen to develop and enhance their skills in a wide variety of IT areas. The trust are keen to develop their staff and would support post holders in pursuing fully funded level 3, level 4, or degree level apprenticeships, along with any other training needs identified by the post holder or their line managers. We have a history of developing staff to progress in their careers and motivated staff can typically expect career progression internally or externally within 2 years of employment.
The role will be primarily based at one of our trust secondary schools although you may be required to perform your duties within any of the locations of the Watergrove Trust, and will also have joint responsibility for supporting one or more primary schools, therefore a driving licence and use of your own vehicle is essential.
Why Work for the Watergrove Trust?
Watergrove Trust is growing and has a passion for providing more to the communities we work in. IT is a key function and we support our partners through innovation. We endeavour to coach our users and challenge them to try new technologies and look to improve working routines through the use of IT.
You can be part of this by joining us to provide day to day troubleshooting, desktop / hardware support, and be involved in delivering larger projects. Main responsibilities will be to provide effective support, installation, configuration and maintenance of software, hardware and infrastructure as well as ensuring data security. Working in education IT support provides access to a large range of technologies and you will have the opportunity to develop your skills across all of these, whilst being provided with the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you.
Benefits we can offer:
- Access to local government pension scheme with employer contributions of 15%
- Access to occupational health provider (Smart Clinic)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Opportunity for CPD
- Flexible annual leave entitlement including all bank holidays
Interviews will take place on: Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
Watergrove Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to pre-employment clearances including enhanced Disclosure and Barring and Childcare Disqualification Check.
The Watergrove Trust values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity.
Academy IT Lead in Rochdale employer: Watergrove Trust
The Watergrove Trust is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of both its students and staff. With a strong commitment to continuous professional development, you will have access to numerous training opportunities that enhance your skills and career progression. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about education and pastoral care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy IT Lead in Rochdale
✨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 Watergrove Trust 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 Watergrove 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.
✨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 Watergrove Trust!
✨Direct Apply to Watergrove Trust
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Watergrove 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 Academy IT Lead in Rochdale
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 Watergrove 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 Watergrove 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 Watergrove 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.
