Job Description

TO APPLY - Please see our website or TES

https://www.wilmslowhigh.com/joining-us/vacancies/

https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/senior-leader-ict-and-network-operations-wilmslow-high-school-2278472

Senior Leader: ICT & Network Operations

Salary:

41,771 to 48,072

Grade:

Grade 10; Point 31-35 Cheshire East Council NJC Pay Structure

Start Date:

ASAP

Contract Type:

37 hours per week (full time), 52 weeks per year (full year)

Contract Term:

Permanent

Closing Date:

08:00am, Monday 26th January 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early; early applications are encouraged)

Interview Date:

Thursday 29th January 2026

Wilmslow High School

School age range: 11-18

Number on roll: approx. 2,000 (including 500 sixth form)

We are looking to appoint an experienced ICT & Network Operations Leader to lead and manage the school's Information Systems Support Team and ICT facilities. As a member of the extended Leadership Team, you will lead the development and implementation of the school's ICT strategy, ensuring that ICT facilitates the school's aims and objectives. You will translate strategic intent into operational activity, oversee continuous improvement, and ensure efficient management of ICT infrastructure and services.

The successful candidate will be a strong strategic leader and team player and will:

Have proven experience managing ICT services and support teams within an education setting or similar environment. Take overall responsibility for ensuring a secure, resilient, and responsive ICT infrastructure, including servers, networks, cloud services, end-user devices, and telephony. Have up-to-date understanding of ICT infrastructure, networking, software, and emerging technologies. Knowledge of data protection legislation and best practices in information security.
We are looking for a strong Senior Leader of ICT & Network Operations, ideally with experience in the education sector, who has a confident, solution focussed approach and is fully aligned with our schools' visions and values. You will report to the Deputy Headteacher: Personal Development & Community and will be responsible for managing the ISS and reprographics teams.

We offer a happy and caring environment rooted in our core values, in which staff and students can flourish, whilst challenging ourselves to pursue excellence for all our students. The school is set in extensive grounds, ideally positioned between the thriving city of Manchester and the open countryside of the Peak District.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to respect this commitment. A consideration of the person's suitability to work alongside children is part of the selection process.

If invited for interview, you will be:

asked to complete a self-declaration form answering questions in relation to any criminal record or other information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. subject to an online search. This is to help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which we may wish to explore at interview.

If successful, you will be subject to

an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. pre-employment checks which will include References, Health and Right to Work in UK

Current or previous employers will be contacted and information requested will include:

disciplinary offences relating to children, including any for which the penalty is 'time expired'. whether the applicant has been the subject of any child protection concerns.
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Senior Leader: ICT & Network Operations

To whom responsible:

Deputy Headteacher: Personal Development & Community

Purpose of Post: The post exists within the school's senior support staff structure to provide strategic leadership and operational management of ICT and information systems across the organisation. This includes ensuring the effective leadership of the Information Systems Support Team, overseeing all existing ICT facilities, and driving the sustained development and improvement of management systems, infrastructure, and systems that support learning. The role ensures ICT remains a central enabling element of the school operations, directly supporting teaching, learning, and administration, and contributes to the organisation's digital transformation strategy. The post holder operates as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure high-quality, secure, and efficient technology services.

Principal Duties

ICT Strategy and Leadership:

Lead the development of ICT as a key enabler of the organisation's aims and objectives, shaping and implementing a clear digital strategy. The post holder will hold overall responsibility for the creation, implementation, and regular review of all IT-related policies within the school. This includes ensuring policies remain compliant with statutory requirements and best practice standards, are clearly communicated to staff and students, and are consistently applied across the organisation. They will proactively update policies in response to emerging technologies, safeguarding requirements, and regulatory changes, providing assurance to senior leaders and governors that the school's IT operations are robust, secure, and well governed. Translate strategic intent into operational plans and oversee delivery in line with the school improvement plan. Advise senior leadership on emerging technologies, digital trends, and innovations that support organisational goals. Lead and manage the Information Systems Support (ISS) Team, fostering a culture of service excellence, accountability, and professional development. Manage team performance through regular reviews, objective setting, and skills development. Manage the Reprographics Department, ensuring a responsive & effective service to stakeholders. Responsible for developing, maintaining, and proactively managing the school's substantial IT budget. This includes ensuring cost-effective procurement, accurate forecasting, and robust financial monitoring to support both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic priorities. They will be expected to identify opportunities for efficiency, provide clear financial reporting to senior leaders and governors, and ensure all expenditure delivers maximum value for money in line with the school's vision and compliance requirements.

ICT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Support

Take overall responsibility for ensuring a secure, resilient, and responsive ICT infrastructure, including servers, networks, cloud services, end-user devices, and telephony. Oversee IT security, ensuring compliance with Data Protection, Freedom of Information, and cybersecurity best practice. Maintain robust backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans. Supervise the ICT Help Desk function, ensuring timely and effective resolution of incidents and requests. Lead the evaluation, procurement, and installation of hardware, software, and systems in line with organisational needs. Ensure ICT systems fully support curriculum delivery and administrative operations.

Data and Systems Management

Take overall responsibility for the effective use of data handling and processing tools to support:
o Student services and pastoral systems

o HR, finance, and resource management

Act as the organisation's Data Protection Officer. Oversee the management of MIS (SIMS) and integrated systems, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility.

Digital Learning and Innovation

Support the integration of digital technologies into teaching and learning. Provide technical and strategic advice to curriculum leaders on the use of ICT to enhance learning. Develop and implement staff training programmes to increase digital confidence and capability.

Document, Media, and Content Management

To work with the Strategic Lead: AI, Digital Learning & Communications to oversee the effective use of ICT for document production, storage, publishing, and communication across the organisation. Maintain and develop the organisation's websites, portals, and digital communication channels. Manage audio-visual provision including video production, sound systems, and multimedia presentation support.

Research, Development, and Supplier Management

Keep up to date with emerging ICT developments and assess their applicability. Maintain relationships with key suppliers and service providers. Oversee ICT research and development initiatives to support innovation and efficiency.

Asset and Resource Management

Maintain a full and accurate register of ICT and AV assets. Manage the procurement of ICT and AV equipment, consumables, and licenses. Oversee asset lifecycle planning and disposal in line with policies.

Health, Safety, and Safeguarding

Ensure all ICT-related work complies with health and safety legislation.

Notes

Health and Safety

To take all reasonable steps to ensure the Health and Safety of students and staff within the teaching base environment.

To promote and safeguard the welfare of students in accordance with the school's child protection policy.

Local Authority Flexibility Policy

Notwithstanding the detail in this job description to undertake, in accordance with the Policy, such work as may be determined by the Headteacher from time to time, up to or on a level consistent with the Principal Duties of the job.

'No Smoking' Policy

The school is an entirely 'no smoking' and 'no vaping' environment.

Review

This job description will be subject to review annually at the end of the academic year or earlier if necessary.

In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 41,771.00-48,072.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free flu jabs On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person