Head of IT

Job Title: Head of IT
Job Description
Job Purpose
To develop and implement an IT strategy and services that meet the needs of the Trust, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in alignment with business objectives.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Leadership
• Develop, maintain, and deliver the Trust’s IT strategy and roadmaps, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the organisation.
• Lead and manage the IT function and team, including Software Development, Service Desk, Infrastructure, and Desktop Support, to effectively meet the needs of the Trust.
• Oversee Information and Cyber Security across the Trust, ensuring robust protections are in place.
• Work closely with senior leadership to manage relationships with schools within the Trust, providing strong stakeholder engagement and support.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership on Trust-wide projects and initiatives, including quality standards, database management systems, and IT support systems.
• Lead change initiatives and manage the implementation of new ideas effectively.
• As a member of the Central Team leadership, provide updates and reports on IT activity and operations within the Trust.
• Present IT updates and project progress to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders, ensuring operational delivery is met.
IT Infrastructure
• Promote and develop the use of IT processes, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency across the Trust.
• Anticipate future IT needs, identifying and implementing proactive solutions.
• Oversee IT-related purchasing and budget allocation.
• Develop and promote the effective use of IT across Trust schools, continually recommending improvements to enhance service delivery.
• Assist schools with the selection of software products, offering guidance on approach and selection processes.
• Oversee the implementation of network security at a corporate level.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures across the Trust, with particular attention to remote sites and end-user requirements.
Compliance and Performance
• Create and update Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring core IT services meet agreed requirements.
• Ensure customer expectations are met and SLAs are consistently delivered.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for IT services.
• Provide leadership for IT projects, ensuring timely and on-budget delivery while meeting objectives and maintaining quality.
• Ensure that filtering and internet safety measures meet Department for Education (DfE) requirements.
• Maintain stability and security of information in line with ISO27001 standards.
• Monitor internet activity for misuse and ensure appropriate action is taken, in compliance with ISO27001 guidelines.
Resources
• Assess staffing levels to ensure adequate IT support and project delivery across the Trust, considering evolving needs.
• Oversee project delivery, with full responsibility for budget control within both the IT budget and specific school budgets.
• Support schools in recruiting for IT-related roles within their teams.