IT & AI Lead

Family care group; Chorley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned care organization in Chorley is seeking an IT & AI Lead to support daily IT operations and drive innovation through AI and automation. The role involves managing IT hardware, administering Microsoft 365, providing technical support, and leading cyber security initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, be excited about digital innovation, and have effective communication abilities to support staff across various sites. The position offers a salary of up to £35,000 per annum plus a £3,600 car allowance.

Benefits

Salary up to £35,000

£3,600 car allowance

Training and professional development

Access to Paycare

Contributory Pension

Long Service Rewards

Sick pay after qualifying period

Qualifications

• Technically skilled with IT hardware and Microsoft 365.
• Excited by the potential of AI and digital innovation.
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and communicating with non-technical colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain IT hardware and software.
• Administer Microsoft 365 applications and train users.
• Provide on-site tech support and troubleshoot issues.
• Explore opportunities for AI integration and automation.
• Lead cyber security measures and ensure GDPR compliance.

Skills

IT hardware knowledge

Microsoft 365 administration

AI integration

Cyber security expertise

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Job description

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Are you ready to use your tech skills to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people?

Family Care is a family-owned organisation providing fostering, residential, and SEN education services across the Northwest and West Midlands. We believe that every child deserves nurturing, consistent care - and that the right digital systems can help us deliver just that.

We're looking for a hands-on and forward-thinking IT & AI Lead to support our day-to-day IT operations and drive innovation through AI and automation. This is a unique opportunity to work across a dynamic, values-driven organisation, blending traditional IT support with cutting-edge digital development.

What You'll Be Doing:

IT Support & Asset Management

• Set up and maintain laptops, tablets, phones, routers, and other hardware
• Keep our IT asset register and RAG reports up to date
• Manage the IT budget and ensure cost-effective, sustainable purchasing
• Provide remote and on-site first-line support to staff across our homes, schools, and offices

Microsoft 365 & Digital Systems

• Administer Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive)
• Set up new users, manage access, and provide training and support
• Ensure robust password policies and data security are in place

Help Desk Management

• Monitor and manage our help desk ticketing system
• Assign and resolve tickets efficiently
• Identify trends and areas for improvement

On-Site Technical Support

• Visit Family Care sites to troubleshoot issues and support teams directly
• Assist with system set-up and training

AI Exploration & Integration

• Identify opportunities where AI can automate manual processes
• Pilot, evaluate, and support the use of AI tools (e.g. document processing, chatbots)
• Ensure ethical and effective AI use aligned with our values

Cyber Security & Data Protection

• Lead on cyber security measures and user training
• Conduct regular audits and ensure GDPR compliance
• Keep systems secure, updated, and risk-aware

About You:

We're looking for someone who is:

• Technically skilled with IT hardware and Microsoft 365
• Excited by the potential of AI and digital innovation
• Organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tasks
• Able to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical colleagues
• Willing to travel to sites across the region
• Committed to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children

Why work for us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to support the on-going development of our services and your knowledge and contributions will directly impact on the care and education we provide our children and young people.

What we offer:

• Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum + £3,600 car allowance
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Access to Paycare and Employee Assistance Programme
• Contributory Pension
• Long Service Rewards
• Sick pay after the qualifying period

Family Care is committed to safeguarding and always promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects the post holder to share this commitment. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we select the suitable candidates.

All offers of employment are subject to safeguarding checks, both an Enhanced DBS check and comprehensive references will be carried out. We are permitted to ask whether an applicant has any convictions, cautions or reprimands or final warnings (spent or otherwise) under the current guidance, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions) Order 1975. Please note that disclosure of a criminal background will not debar you from employment.