Trust IT Manager

Stephenson (Mk) Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Stephenson (MK) Trust is seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead the strategic development and day-to-day delivery of technology across the Trust. You will ensure secure, reliable, and future-ready IT services that enable staff and pupils to work effectively across academies.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight, managing budgets, contracts and a high-performing IT team to deliver key projects and improvements across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Significant IT management experience and strategic mindset.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, networks, cloud technologies and Microsoft 365.
• Experience with cybersecurity, backup, disaster recovery and data protection.
• Understanding of IT service management, compliance and risk.
• Experience managing suppliers, budgets, contracts and technology projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.
• Experience in education or multi-site organisations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a multi-year Trust-wide IT strategy aligned with priorities.
• Modernise the technology landscape across infrastructure, systems and devices.
• Ensure secure, reliable networks, servers, Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms.
• Oversee IT service delivery and a responsive support service.
• Lead IT suppliers, contracts, procurement, and the budget.
• Develop and support the Trust IT team and deliver major projects.
• Advise senior leaders on emerging technologies and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement and user-focused IT services.

Job description

Lead technology. Strengthen systems. Shape the future.

Stephenson (MK) Trust is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking and solutions-focused Trust IT Manager to lead the strategic development and day-to-day delivery of technology across the Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity for an IT professional who wants to make a genuine impact in education. You will play a key role in ensuring that our technology is secure, reliable, responsive and fit for the future, enabling staff, pupils and leaders to work effectively across our academies.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight. You will lead the Trust’s IT function, support the development of a consistent and high-quality service across all sites, and work closely with senior leaders to ensure that technology supports both operational effectiveness and educational outcomes.

The Role

As Trust IT Manager, you will:

Develop and lead a multi-year Trust-wide IT strategy aligned with organisational and educational priorities.

Review and modernise the Trust’s technology landscape, including infrastructure, systems, devices, data and cybersecurity.

Lead a consistent approach to IT systems, infrastructure and service delivery across the Trust.

Support compliance with relevant DfE digital, technology and cybersecurity standards.

Oversee the security, reliability and performance of networks, servers, Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, devices and core systems.

Lead the Trust’s approach to cybersecurity, filtering, monitoring, backup, disaster recovery and business continuity.

Manage IT service delivery to ensure staff and pupils receive a responsive, professional and effective support service.

Oversee key systems including MIS, telephony, printing, digital signage, websites and learning platforms.

Manage IT suppliers, contracts, licensing, procurement, stock and the Trust’s IT budget.

Lead, support and develop the Trust IT team.

Deliver major technology projects, upgrades, migrations and system implementations.

Advise senior leaders on emerging technologies, risks, opportunities and future investment.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, security, consistency and user experience across the Trust.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for an IT professional who can combine technical expertise, leadership and strategic thinking.

You will ideally bring:

Significant experience in an IT management or senior IT role.

Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, networks, cloud technologies and Microsoft 365.

Experience of cybersecurity, backup, disaster recovery and data protection.

A strong understanding of IT service management, technical compliance and risk.

Experience managing suppliers, budgets, contracts and technology projects.

Strong problem-solving, judgement and decision-making skills.

The ability to explain technical issues clearly and practically to non-technical colleagues.

Experience of leading, developing and supporting IT staff.

A proactive approach to continuous improvement and emerging technology.

Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Experience within an education environment or multi-site organisation would be advantageous.

Why join us?

This is more than a traditional IT support role.

You will have the opportunity to shape the Trust’s technology direction, strengthen cybersecurity, modernise systems and build an IT service that is consistent, responsive and future-focused.

You will work closely with senior leaders and academy teams, helping to ensure that technology is not simply maintained, but is used purposefully to improve how our schools operate and how our staff and pupils are supported.

The role will involve travel between Trust sites across Milton Keynes, with mileage paid in line with Trust arrangements.

Safeguarding

Stephenson MK Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and other pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance, including KCSIE. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.