IT Director

IT Director Location: Secondary School, Sutton Salary: £49,056 – £52,194 (P04, points 35–38) Hours: 8.00am–4.00pm, Monday to Friday (45‑minute unpaid break) A forward‑thinking secondary school in Sutton is seeking an experienced IT Director to lead its digital strategy, infrastructure and IT services. This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic, solutions‑focused professional who can drive innovation while ensuring robust, reliable and secure IT operations across the school. The Role As IT Director, you’ll take full ownership of the school’s technology ecosystem — from long‑term digital strategy to the smooth running of day‑to‑day IT services. Working closely with the Headteacher, SLT and School Business Manager, you’ll shape the school’s digital direction, support teaching and learning, and lead a dedicated IT team. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and deliver a long‑term IT strategy aligned with whole‑school priorities. Lead the implementation of the school’s digital vision, including the transition to MS365. Support digital innovation in teaching and learning across departments. Provide expert guidance on IT development, investment and best practice. Technology Infrastructure & Operations Oversee all hardware, software, network systems and cloud services. Ensure classrooms are fully equipped to meet curriculum and teaching needs. Manage software systems, databases, telephony and endpoint devices. Deliver reliable, high‑quality IT services across the school. Project Management Lead all IT projects from planning to delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and minimal disruption. Security, Data Protection & Compliance Act as the school’s Privacy and Compliance Officer. Manage GDPR processes, DPIAs and compliance procedures. Establish and enforce robust cybersecurity protocols to protect data and prevent threats. Ensure legal and responsible use of data, copyright and digital systems. Staff Development Work closely with SLT and departments to understand their technology needs and deliver effective solutions. Provide leadership and direction to the IT Department through regular meetings and feedback. Deliver in‑house staff training to support digital confidence and capability. Support end‑users with varied digital abilities, including staff and young people. Budget & Supplier Management Manage the IT budget, ensuring cost‑effective use of resources. Oversee suppliers, service contracts and procurement to ensure value for money. Recommend future investments based on emerging technologies and school priorities. Continuous Improvement Stay informed on new and emerging technologies. Recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency and digital learning. Lead digital transformation initiatives that support teaching, learning and school development. This role may evolve in line with the needs of the school, and additional duties may be required to support its effective running. Person Specification Essential: Significant IT experience within a school environment. Experience Essential: Proven IT leadership experience. Experience managing IT teams, budgets, suppliers and service contracts. Experience developing and implementing IT strategy aligned to organisational goals. Experience supporting end‑users with varied digital abilities. Desirable: Experience managing cybersecurity risks and safeguarding‑related technologies. Experience working within an education setting (school, MAT, college or university). Knowledge of education systems such as MIS, safeguarding platforms, MDM solutions, Microsoft 365/Azure AD, Google Workspace. Experience leading digital transformation to enhance teaching and learning. Knowledge & Skills Essential: Strong understanding of IT infrastructure: networks, servers, cloud services, identity management, endpoint management and cybersecurity. Excellent project‑management skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines. Clear understanding of safeguarding requirements relating to digital systems and online safety. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to explain technical concepts to non‑technical users. Ability to analyse data to inform decision‑making and improve system performance. Desirable: Knowledge of data protection legislation (e.g., UK GDPR) and its application in schools. Ability to create robust IT policies, disaster recovery plans and cybersecurity frameworks. Awareness of emerging ed‑tech trends and their potential impact on teaching and learning. Experience managing and supporting the Microsoft product stack (Windows 11, Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Entra, Intune). Personal Qualities Essential: Strategic thinker with the ability to create a long‑term vision for technology across the school. Strong leadership and communication skills, able to motivate and develop teams. Calm, solution‑focused approach under pressure. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to build positive working relationships across the school community. Other Requirements Essential: Commitment to the school’s ethos, values and educational mission. Willingness to work flexibly, including attending out‑of‑hours events or responding to emergencies when required. Strong hands‑on technical capability to support system integration and provide high‑quality support to staff and students. Vision and capability to drive forward the school’s use of MS365