Network Manager

Cabot Learning Federation; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational trust in Weston-super-Mare seeks a skilled Network Manager to enhance IT infrastructure across multiple academies. This pivotal role involves leading IT network developments, supporting digital strategies, and ensuring a reliable technology environment that empowers teaching and learning. Ideal candidates will have strong networking skills, relevant IT qualifications, and experience in education settings. The position offers generous benefits and a commitment to career progression.

Benefits

Generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme

Health benefits including wellness sessions

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Relevant IT qualifications such as Level 3+ or ITIL.
• Experience with Windows 10/11 and server environments.
• Strong skills in networking including VLANs and firewalls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of IT networks.
• Provide expert guidance for academy-based IT staff.
• Implement Trust-wide digital strategy and support.

Skills

Networking skills

IT support experience

Windows 10/11 and Server

Active Directory

IT security knowledge

Office 365 support

AV technologies familiarity

Education

Relevant IT qualifications (e.g. Level 3+)

GCSE English and Maths (C/4+)

Job description

Overview

As a Network Manager for the Cabot Learning Federation, you will help ensure our schools run smoothly – powering teaching, learning and innovation through reliable, secure technology. This role shapes students' success and gives you the chance to lead meaningful digital change every day.

We are seeking a highly skilled, proactive and relationship‑driven Network Manager to join our central ICT team. This pivotal role holds responsibility for developing, maintaining and supporting robust, secure and future‑ready network and ICT infrastructure across multiple academies within the Trust.

Working collaboratively with academy leaders, local ICT colleagues and the CLF central ICT team, you will play a key role in delivering consistent, resilient and high‑performing digital environments that support high‑quality education and effective operations across the Federation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance and day‑to‑day operation of IT networks and infrastructure across assigned academies within the Trust.
• Act as a senior technical lead and escalation point, providing expert guidance and problem resolution for academy‑based IT staff and users.
• Work closely with Principals, Operations Managers, SLT and the CLF central IT team to shape, implement and support Trust‑wide digital strategy.
• Build strong, professional relationships across academies, ensuring a consistent, customer‑focused IT support experience.
• Oversee and support core networking systems including switches, routers, VLANs, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, Office 365 and cloud services.
• Support the implementation of Trust‑wide standards, policies and security controls, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Manage and coordinate hardware and software repairs, upgrades, audits, procurement and asset management across supported academies.
• Resolve complex IT support requests in line with agreed service standards, acting as a senior escalation point where required.
• Support academy events, exams and key activities with reliable AV and IT provision when necessary.
• Contribute to Trust‑wide IT projects, major upgrades and change programmes, representing academy needs and driving improvement.
• Coach, mentor and support academy‑based IT colleagues, helping to develop capability, consistency and confidence across the Trust.

Qualifications

• Relevant IT qualifications (e.g. Level 3+, ITIL or equivalent experience).
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4+ or equivalent).
• Experience with Windows 10/11, Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP and MDT.
• Strong networking skills including switching, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs and secure systems management.
• Knowledge of IT security, software integrity and modern device and systems management approaches.
• Confidence supporting Office 365, Azure, cloud services and education‑specific platforms.
• Familiarity with service desk tools, mobile device management and AV technologies.
• Substantial IT support experience, ideally within education or a multi‑site organisation.

Benefits

• A generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in‑role/wider‑trust development opportunities.
• Well‑being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry‑average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits such as cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site parking and many more!

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and encourage applications from under‑represented and global majority groups, including ethnicity, gender, transgender status, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.