IT Manager

Victoria College of Arts and Design; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme (Wisdom)

Virtual GP access (Livi)

Annual leave 7.2 weeks

Sick Pay

Job summary

Victoria College of Arts and Design is seeking an IT Manager to lead IT services across its multi-campus environment. You will oversee IT Coordinators, ensure robust infrastructure, and deliver a high-quality digital experience for students and staff.

The role requires hands-on technical competence, people management, strategic planning, and strong stakeholder engagement across departments, with responsibility for budgeting, risk management, and regulatory compliance including GDPR.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in an IT management or senior IT support role.
• Proven experience managing staff across multiple sites.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Azure, Intune), Kandji MDM, Moodle, AV/classroom technologies, and user account management.
• Experience with central or group IT functions in a matrix or group structure.
• Sound understanding of GDPR, data protection, cybersecurity principles, and IT risk management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience in Higher Education or regulated education environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop IT Coordinators across all campuses.
• Set priorities, allocate workloads and ensure consistent IT service standards.
• Foster a customer-focused IT culture delivering timely, friendly support.
• Act as escalation point for complex IT incidents.
• Develop and implement IT operational plans and budgeting.
• Oversee IT assets and lifecycle management; manage external suppliers.

Skills

IT management

Stakeholder management

Cybersecurity

GDPR/data protection

Budgeting

Team leadership

Multi-site IT

Automation/scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Azure

Intune

Kandji MDM

Moodle

AV/classroom tech

Job description

Organisation: Victoria College of Arts and Design

Job Title: IT Manager

Location: Multi-campus

Employment Type: Full Time

Working Schedule: Monday to Friday

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with occasional evening and weekend commitments as required by the role)

Department: IT

Reports to: Deputy Director of Finance & Professional Services

Line Management Responsibility: IT Coordinators across campuses

Job Overview

The IT Manager is a senior operational and leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, day-to-day management, and continuous improvement of IT services across all campuses. The postholder will lead and manage IT Coordinators across three campuses, ensuring consistent service delivery, robust infrastructure, and a high-quality digital experience for students and staff.

The IT Manager will also play a key role in planning, budgeting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, data protection, and health and safety requirements.

This role requires a blend of hands-on technical competence, people management, strategic thinking, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management:

• Lead, manage, and develop IT Coordinators across all campuses, providing clear direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Set priorities, allocate workloads, and ensure consistent IT service standards across campuses.
• Foster a customer-focused IT culture that delivers timely, friendly, and effective support to students and staff.
• Act as escalation point for complex or high-impact IT incidents.
• Develop and implement IT operational plans
• Contribute to IT budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, including hardware, software, licensing, and support contracts.
• Maintain an accurate IT asset register and oversee lifecycle management of equipment.
• Identify risks relating to IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data protection, and service continuity, and implement mitigation plans.

Systems, Infrastructure & Security:

• Oversee the effective operation of core systems including Microsoft 365, Moodle, AV and classroom technologies, and library systems.
• Ensure reliable network connectivity, Wi-Fi coverage, and AV functionality across all campuses.
• Work with the rest of the IT team on cybersecurity controls, backups, disaster recovery, access management, and system upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, data security policies, and institutional IT standards.
• Coordinating projects, escalations, audits, and shared services.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers, contractors, and service providers, ensuring value for money and service quality.
• Work closely with Academic Teams, Registry, Facilities, Quality, and Senior Management to support teaching, learning, and operational needs.

Service Delivery & User Support:

• Oversee IT support services delivered via ticketing systems, email, and in-person support, ensuring SLAs and response standards are met.
• Ensure smooth IT support for key academic activities including enrolment, induction, teaching delivery, assessments, and examinations.
• Lead communication to staff and students on system changes, outages, and planned maintenance.

Compliance, Health & Safety & Events:

• Ensure IT operations comply with health and safety requirements, including safe use of equipment and contractor compliance.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory requests relating to IT systems and data.
• Ensure appropriate IT support is in place for open days, exams, events, and peak academic periods.

Qualifications & Skills

• Significant experience in an IT management or senior IT support role.
• Proven experience managing staff and delivering IT services across multiple sites.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365(AZURE, Intune), Kandji MDM (Apple Devices), learning platforms (e.g. Moodle), AV/classroom technologies, and user account management.
• Experience working with central or group IT functions in a matrix or group structure.
• Sound understanding of GDPR, data protection, cybersecurity principles, and IT risk management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience working in Higher Education or a regulated education environment.
• Knowledge of student information systems and digital assessment platforms.
• ITIL or similar service management framework experience.
• Experience contributing to IT strategy, digital transformation, or systems implementation projects.
• Familiarity with scripting, automation, or reporting tools.
• Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
• Company Sick Pay.
• Statutory maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)
• Virtual GP access (Livi)
• 'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concerns
• Specialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)
• Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)
• Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)
• Financial coaching (MUNNY)
• Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Training and self-development opportunities.