IT Systems Manager

Astrea Academy Trust; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Competitive salary

Supportive working environment

Job summary

Astrea Academy Trust is seeking an experienced IT Systems Manager to lead the IT Systems Team and shape the Trust's technology infrastructure across our head office and schools. Reporting to the Director of IT, you will drive security, resilience, and service improvements.

You will manage a skilled team, set technical standards, deliver projects on time, and work with stakeholders to ensure reliable, secure systems that support staff and learners.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing enterprise IT systems and infrastructure.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security principles, controls, and best practice.
• Experience managing Microsoft technologies, cloud platforms, networking, and infrastructure services.
• Track record of delivering technology projects and service improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the IT Systems Team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing management of IT infrastructure and systems across the Trust.
• Establish and maintain consistent technical standards, configurations, and best practices.
• Deliver IT projects and system improvements in line with organisational priorities and agreed timescales.
• Ensure systems remain available, resilient, secure, and perform effectively across all locations.
• Lead the operational delivery of cyber security controls, including vulnerability management, patching, monitoring, and incident response.
• Oversee network security, endpoint protection, identity management, and cloud-based services.
• Manage backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity arrangements.
• Support compliance with data protection legislation, Digital Standards, and cyber security frameworks.
• Work closely with schools, central teams, and the wider IT function to provide an excellent technology service.
• Provide technical advice, guidance, and assurance to senior stakeholders and the Director of IT.
• Ensure effective use of service management processes and tools to maintain high standards of service delivery.

Skills

Enterprise IT systems

Team leadership

Cyber security

Microsoft technologies

Cloud platforms

Project delivery

Stakeholder management

Data protection & compliance

Tools

Microsoft technologies

Cloud platforms

Networking & infrastructure

Job description

IT Systems Manager

Astrea Academy Trust
Salary: £47,159 - £53,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Based in Astrea Academy Trust Head Office with travel as and when needed to our schools
Reporting to: Director of IT
Closing Date: 20th September 2026

Lead the Technology That Helps Transform Lives

Are you an experienced IT professional with a passion for delivering secure, reliable, and innovative technology services? Do you thrive on leading teams, driving improvement, and ensuring technology empowers both staff and students to achieve their best?

If so, we would love to hear from you. Astrea Academy Trust is looking for an outstanding IT Systems Manager to lead our IT Systems Team and play a key role in shaping and maintaining the Trust's technology infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic thinking with technical expertise, ensuring our schools and central teams benefit from high-performing, secure, and resilient IT systems.

About Astrea Academy Trust

Astrea Academy Trust is a family of academies united by a commitment to providing an exceptional education for every child. We are driven by a belief that all young people, regardless of background or circumstance, deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Through a culture of high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we work together to create environments where pupils and colleagues can thrive. Our central teams play a vital role in supporting our academies, ensuring they have the systems, expertise, and resources needed to deliver excellent outcomes for the communities they serve.

The Role

As IT Systems Manager, you will lead the design, development, and management of the Trust's core IT systems and infrastructure. Working closely with the Director of IT, you will provide technical leadership, oversee cyber security controls, and ensure consistent standards are maintained across all academies and central services.

You will manage a skilled team of IT professionals while driving projects, improving services, and ensuring the Trust's systems remain secure, reliable, and fit for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the IT Systems Team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing management of IT infrastructure and systems across the Trust.
• Establish and maintain consistent technical standards, configurations, and best practices.
• Deliver IT projects and system improvements in line with organisational priorities and agreed timescales.
• Ensure systems remain available, resilient, secure, and perform effectively across all locations.
• Lead the operational delivery of cyber security controls, including vulnerability management, patching, monitoring, and incident response.
• Oversee network security, endpoint protection, identity management, and cloud-based services.
• Manage backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity arrangements.
• Support compliance with data protection legislation, Digital Standards, and cyber security frameworks.
• Work closely with schools, central teams, and the wider IT function to provide an excellent technology service.
• Provide technical advice, guidance, and assurance to senior stakeholders and the Director of IT.
• Ensure effective use of service management processes and tools to maintain high standards of service delivery.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a skilled IT leader who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent people management and communication skills.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience managing enterprise IT systems and infrastructure.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security principles, controls, and best practice.
• Experience managing Microsoft technologies, cloud platforms, networking, and infrastructure services.
• A track record of delivering technology projects and service improvements.Experience of system monitoring, backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of data protection, compliance, and information security requirements.
• Microsoft, CompTIA, or equivalent technical qualifications, or substantial relevant experience.

Why Join Astrea Academy Trust?

• Competitive salary of £47,159 - £53,000
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• The chance to make a meaningful impact across a growing multi-academy trust
• A role where your expertise directly supports educational excellence

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?