Job Description

Head of IT (Infrastructure & Systems)

Contract:

Full-time,

Salary:

75,000 - 90,000 per annum, depending on experience

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Our client is a successful independent school with a well-established, feature-rich IT estate that has evolved over many years to support teaching, learning and business operations.

The

Head of IT (Infrastructure & Systems)

will have overall responsibility for the design, operation, security and continual development of all IT infrastructure and core systems. A key early focus will be to build a clear picture of the existing environment, strengthen documentation and introduce proportionate governance and change control so that the school's technology remains robust, secure and sustainable for the long term.

The post-holder will combine strong technical skills with the ability to lead people, manage suppliers and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders across the school community.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Leadership

Provide strategic and operational leadership for IT infrastructure and core systems across the whole school. Develop and maintain an IT roadmap aligned to the school's educational and business priorities, balancing innovation with reliability and value for money. Act as the school's subject matter expert for infrastructure, networking, servers, storage and core platforms (on-premises and cloud). Line-manage IT support staff (where applicable), setting objectives, conducting reviews and supporting professional development. Represent IT at relevant senior leadership, operations and governance forums.
2. Infrastructure, Networks & Platforms

Take ownership of the school's on-premise and virtualised server infrastructure, including Linux and Windows systems. Manage and maintain KVM virtualisation platforms, ensuring high availability and effective resource utilisation. Oversee Layer 3 switching and routing, including the configuration and support of multiple VLANs across the campus network. Administer and maintain pfSense firewalls, VPNs and associated network security controls. Lead on the management of the Windows domain infrastructure (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, file and print services). Own day-to-day Microsoft 365 administration (Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, security & compliance features). Support and optimise Microsoft SQL-based applications (e.g. MIS, finance and other line-of-business systems), working closely with system vendors.
3. Backups, Resilience & Security

Ensure robust backup, restore and disaster recovery arrangements, including management of URBackup and related tooling. Maintain appropriate off-site / offline backup strategies and regular restore testing. Implement and maintain security controls and monitoring across servers, endpoints, network and cloud services. Work with senior leaders to align IT security with data protection and safeguarding policies (e.g. GDPR, UK data protection regulations).
4. Documentation, Governance & Change

Lead an initial programme of audit/discovery and documentation to ensure the current infrastructure, integrations, configurations and dependencies and properly documented. Develop and maintain accurate network diagrams, asset registers, configuration records and standard operating procedures. Introduce effective IT governance, including:
- Change management processes for significant infrastructure changes.
- Defined maintenance windows and communication plans for planned work.
- Version control and sign-off for configuration changes where appropriate.

Promote a culture of standardisation, repeatability and documentation within the IT function, while remaining pragmatic and responsive to school needs.
5. Service Delivery & User Support

Ensure high-quality, responsive IT support to all staff and students, meeting agreed service levels. Define and oversee helpdesk workflows, escalation paths and incident/problem management. Monitor performance, capacity and availability across infrastructure, taking proactive action to prevent issues. Communicate planned work, incidents and resolutions clearly to non-technical users.
6. Specialist Systems (Campus Services)

Oversee the IT integration, configuration and support of: Sign-in systems and digital signage CCTV and NVR solutions Cloud-based reverse proxies and related access/security components Any other campus technology systems with IT dependencies (e.g. door access, telephony, print management) Work closely with pastoral, safeguarding and estates colleagues to ensure these systems meet operational and regulatory requirements.
7. Vendor, Project & Budget Management

Manage relationships with external suppliers, support providers and consultants. Specify and oversee IT infrastructure projects from requirements gathering through to implementation and handover. Obtain and evaluate quotations, ensuring best value for money and compliance with procurement procedures. Support the preparation and management of the IT budget, including hardware refresh, licensing and support contracts.
8. Compliance, Safeguarding & Data Protection

Ensure IT systems and practices support the school's safeguarding, online safety and data protection obligations. Work with the Data Protection Officer to maintain appropriate technical measures and assist with audits and incident responses as required. Ensure that all IT operations comply with relevant policies, statutory guidance and best practice within the education sector.
9. General

Work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours and school holiday periods, to carry out maintenance, upgrades and project work. Undertake any other duties reasonably commensurate with the level of the role, as required by the school. Actively support the aims, ethos and values of our client.
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Person Specification

1. Qualifications

Essential

First class or upper-second class honours degree

in Computer Science or a closely related discipline

OR

Suitable professional qualifications and at least 10 years of proven experience

in a senior IT infrastructure/operations role.
Desirable

Relevant technical certifications (e.g. Linux, Microsoft, networking, security). ITIL Foundation or similar service management qualification. Evidence of ongoing professional development in relevant technical or management areas.

2. Experience

Essential

Significant experience in a senior infrastructure/operations role (e.g. Head of IT, IT Manager, Network Manager) with

end-to-end ownership of on-premise and cloud systems

. Proven experience of: Managing

Linux

servers and open-source technologies in production. Managing

Windows domain infrastructure

(AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy). Delivering and supporting

virtualised environments

, ideally

KVM

. Administering

Microsoft 365

in a multi-site / multi-user environment. Supporting

Microsoft SQL-based applications

. Managing

Layer 3 switches

and multiple

VLANs

in a campus-style network. Implementing and supporting

firewalls

, ideally

pfSense

. Running reliable

backup and disaster recovery

using tools such as

URBackup

. Experience of

introducing or improving IT processes

(e.g. documentation, change control, asset management) in an environment that has grown organically. Demonstrable experience of

leading infrastructure projects

from design to implementation. Experience of managing external suppliers and support contracts.
Desirable

Experience working in an

academic / education environment

, ideally a UK independent or maintained school. Experience with:

- Cloud-based reverse proxies

(e.g. Cloudflare or similar).

- Sign-in systems and digital signage

platforms.

- CCTV and NVR

deployment and support.

3. Personal Attributes & Competencies

Essential

Able to

take ownership

of a complex, established environment and methodically build a clear, documented baseline. Pragmatic and

solution-focused

, balancing structure and governance with the need to keep things running smoothly day-to-day. Strong

communication skills

- able to explain technical concepts in plain language to teaching staff, support staff, pupils, governors and external partners. Proven ability to

plan, prioritise and deliver

in a busy operational environment. Collaborative, approachable and calm under pressure, with a strong customer-service ethos. High standards of

professionalism, integrity and discretion

, especially when handling sensitive data.
Desirable

Experience of mentoring and developing junior IT staff. A genuine interest in how technology can enhance

teaching and learning

, not just infrastructure for its own sake.

4. Safeguarding & Pre-employment Checks

This post is subject to an

enhanced DBS check

and all safer recruitment checks. The post-holder must adhere to all safeguarding policies and attend regular training as required.
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Early applications are encouraged as interviews are ongoing and we / our client reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 75,000.00-90,000.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person