Network Manager

The Co Operative Academies Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary SCP 27-31 (£38,221-

Professional growth & certifications

Ethical workplace culture

Impact & purpose in education

LGPS & benefits

Job summary

The Co-op Academies Trust is seeking an experienced Network Manager (Academy Cloud Engineer, Level 3) for Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent. You will lead and support network infrastructure, drive cloud adoption, and mentor junior IT staff, ensuring reliable tech for teachers, pupils, and staff.

You will coordinate day-to-day IT operations, maintain UniFi/Meraki networks, and promote a cloud-first strategy while aligning with safeguarding and inclusion values of the trust.

Qualifications

• Proven background diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, server, and peripheral faults.
• Experience managing network infrastructure and connectivity (UniFi and Meraki).
• Experience with cloud workspace platforms (Google Workspace) and ChromeOS is desirable.
• Willingness to undertake NVQ Level 3 in IT or equivalent certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Google Workspace Administrator).
• Excellent communication to explain technical issues to non-technical staff and pupils, with mentoring ability.

Skills

Network fault diagnosis

UniFi management

Meraki management

Cloud platforms (Google Workspace)

ChromeOS experience

Education

NVQ Level 3 in IT

CompTIA Network+

Google Workspace Administrator

Tools

UniFi

Meraki

Google Workspace

ChromeOS

Job description

Network Manager (Academy Cloud Engineer, Level 3)

Location: Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 4LD

Reporting to: Regional IT Manager, Staffordshire

About the Role

Are you an experienced IT professional with a passion for hands-on technical support and network management? We are looking for a dedicated Academy Cloud Engineer (Level 3) to take the lead in supporting and transforming our IT infrastructure at Co-op Academy Stoke.

In this pivotal senior technical role, you will bridge the gap between robust day-to-day IT support and forward-thinking network architecture. You will maintain critical systems, manage our UniFi & Meraki network infrastructure, and act as our 'Cloud Ambassador', driving our cloud-first strategy across the academy.

Beyond the tech, this role is about people. You will play a key part in ensuring our teachers, staff, and pupils enjoy seamless technology experiences every day, while providing guidance and mentorship to our junior IT team members.

At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe in working together, supporting one another, and living our Co-op 'Ways of Being': Do what matters most, Be yourself always, Show you care, and Succeed together. If you want a role where your technical expertise makes a genuine difference to young people’s education, we would love to hear from you.

Who/What We Are Looking For

We are seeking an action-oriented, innovative, and self-motivated IT specialist who thrives in a collaborative environment. You will combine strong technical judgment with a patient, supportive approach when helping staff and pupils with technology.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

1. Technical Experience: Proven background in diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, server, and peripheral faults, alongside experience managing network infrastructure and connectivity (such as UniFi and Meraki).
2. Cloud & Platform Knowledge: Experience with or an enthusiasm for cloud workspace platforms (Google Workspace and ChromeOS experience/certifications are desirable).
3. Qualifications: Willingness to undertake (or already hold) an NVQ Level 3 in IT or equivalent industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Google Workspace Administrator).
4. Communication & Mentorship: Excellent communication skills to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical staff and pupils, coupled with the ability to mentor junior team members.
5. Service Delivery: Demonstrated experience working to SLAs, maintaining accurate asset inventories, following procedures, and prioritising workloads effectively.

Experience within an educational environment is desirable, but above all, we value high energy, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What We Offer

1. Competitive Compensation: SCP 27-31 (£38,221 - £41,772 per annum)
2. Professional Growth: Dedicated workplace learning, ongoing development opportunities, and support for professional IT certifications.
3. An Ethical Workplace Culture: An inclusive, welcoming environment shaped by co-operative values, equality, and diversity.
4. Impact & Purpose: The chance to lead cloud adoption, mentor emerging IT talent, and directly support the educational success of our pupils.
5. Local Government Pension Scheme and wider Co-op Trust colleague benefits.

Ready to lead our network infrastructure and champion cloud technology at Co-op Academy Stoke?

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and pre- employment checks in line with safer recruitment practices. We truly value variety and individual differences and aim to create a culture of acceptance, respect, and inclusion for everyone.