At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in managing information systems for educational excellence.
- Company: Join The Mercian Trust, dedicated to transforming education and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy health plans, discounts, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering team focused on social mobility and justice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in IT or Education Technology; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
About This Role
The Operational Excellence Department sits within the Finance, Business and Operations service of The Mercian Trust, bringing together IT, Communications & Marketing, Data Science, and User Experience into a single service dedicated to enabling exceptional outcomes for our schools. Drawing on expertise across technology, data, communications, service design and digital innovation, the team works collaboratively with school leaders, educators and support staff to make systems simpler, decisions smarter and services more effective.
The department leads strategic transformation projects, develops trust-wide digital capability, strengthens communication and engagement, and ensures that technology and data are used purposefully to improve experiences for staff, pupils and families. By combining this expertise with a strong understanding of education, the team helps schools focus on what matters most, delivering outstanding learning opportunities and supporting every child to thrive.
Operational Excellence is not simply a support function; it is a catalyst for innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable organisational growth.
INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVING OUTCOMES
As one Trust we share a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education. When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community. Put simply, our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for our students. We are particularly committed to students who are under-served and under-resourced. We prioritise those who have special educational needs and disabilities, or who are more likely to face discrimination for whatever reason. It is this common purpose that fuels everything we do.
We deliver impactful, sustainable and ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in the very best and most inclusive schools. We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). We adopt a pioneering spirit and look to lead the sector with innovative solutions to the problems our students and families face.
Want to make a difference to young people? Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students?
Key responsibilities:
- Provide end‑to‑end operational ownership of Trust‑wide information systems
- Ensure systems are stable, reliable, and support statutory, safeguarding and operational requirements
- Balance individual school needs with Trust‑wide consistency and sustainability
- Act as the senior escalation point for system‑related issues that impact school operations
- Lead and coordinate MIS change, migration and adoption
- Oversee data mapping, validation and resolution of integrity issues
- Lead and support Trust‑wide digital and operational change programmes
- Act as the Trust’s primary operational contact for digital system suppliers
- Log, track and elevate high‑impact issues and incidents
- Support finance teams with investigation of system‑related billing or usage queries
- Provide clear, decision‑ready advice to Executive and senior leaders
- Assess feasibility, risk and operational impact of proposed changes
- Respond calmly and decisively to urgent issues affecting schools
- Retain and apply institutional knowledge of historical decisions and constraints
Qualifications and Skills:
- Degree in IT, Education Technology or related work career
- Leadership experience across IT
- Knowledge of Education platforms and system (desirable)
- Relevant qualifications (Microsoft and or project management are advantageous)
Benefits:
- Financial, Health and Lifestyle discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red)
- A comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care)
- A cycle to work scheme via Halfords
- Access to the Blue Light Card
The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change) at The Mercian Trust - Digital & IT in Walsall employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change) at The Mercian Trust - Digital & IT in Walsall
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change) at The Mercian Trust - Digital & IT in Walsall
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 WMJobs.
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Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at WMJobs. 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨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.
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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.
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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.
