ICT is part of the Council’s Customer and Digital Services Directorate.
Its primary functions are:
* to provide high quality IT systems, support and maintenance across the organisation
* to provide strategic advice and guidance to the service areas and their directorates
* to contribute to the delivery of the Council’s Digital First approach.
The ICT Service consists of several functions including:
* the Service Desk
* Enterprise Systems and Data teams responsible for the development, support and maintenance of both in‑house developed and 3rd party applications
* ICT Services teams delivering network, server and end user computing services
* Security and Compliance
* Enterprise Architecture.
The technologies supported are predominantly based around Microsoft Windows desktop, laptop and server platforms with applications delivered through a range of physical, virtual and cloud infrastructures. Within the school environment there is a strong adoption of Chromebooks and iPads along with both Google and Microsoft cloud‑based service offerings.
You would be joining an enthusiastic and ambitious team with opportunities to work with a range of cutting edge technologies.
You will have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities to enable you to develop your career path as well as access to regular performance and development reviews.
About the job
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Manage the delivery and resourcing of an effective Schools IT service in line with Council, Education, and statutory requirements.
* Ensure the Schools IT service meets objectives, targets, and quality standards, and take appropriate action to remedy deficiencies.
* Create an environment that supports continual improvement of Schools IT services in consultation with key stakeholders, including schools.
* Ensure Schools IT services meet agreed objectives, targets, and quality standards, and take appropriate action to address deficiencies.
* Ensure the effective management of Schools IT projects, including preparation, initiation, and implementation.
* Investigate and diagnose complex Schools IT problems, deliver solutions and maintain overall infrastructure performance.
* Provide advice and training to school users on system functionality, correct operation, constraints, and appropriate work‑arounds or modifications.
* Build effective relationships with technical and support staff to ensure Schools IT systems and information requirements are correctly specified and delivered.
Performance, Quality, Compliance & Assurance
* Monitor and take action to ensure Schools IT service performance meets objectives, targets and quality standards.
* Conduct audits and reviews to ensure Schools IT projects are delivered on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
* Monitor and review the application of processes relating to Schools IT service security, continuity and change.
* Provide management information as required and collaborate with key stakeholders regarding operational performance.
Leadership, Workforce & Stakeholder Management
* Effectively recruit, deploy, manage and train Schools IT teams; set objectives and targets, monitor performance and act where performance is not on target.
* Take personal responsibility for health and safety and promote compliance within Schools IT teams to ensure a safe working environment.
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, internal Council services and external partners, through consultation and collaborative working.
* Identify and engage with key organisations best placed to support the delivery of Schools IT services.
Service Planning, Improvement & Strategic Delivery
* Develop, review and maintain Schools IT service plans, policies, processes and procedures.
* Identify innovative and best‑practice methods when developing Schools IT policies, procedures and service improvements.
* Recognise and anticipate risks and barriers to Schools IT service delivery and take proactive action to mitigate them.
* Undertake research and analysis to make recommendations to senior stakeholders on Schools IT service priorities and delivery mechanisms.
* Manage the design and implementation of new Schools IT capabilities and services, ensuring associated business processes are effectively embedded across schools.
* Liaise with Legal, Audit, Procurement and other key services to ensure Schools IT delivery and implementation complies with corporate policies, procedures and governance standards.
What We Are Looking For From You
* Degree related qualification or demonstrable senior management experience in ICT and / or Education
* A sound working knowledge of using software within a Microsoft Windows (or similar) environment.
* Experience overseeing the performance, reliability and improvement of IT services across multiple school environments.
* Understanding of Schools IT systems, infrastructure, classroom technologies and end user support needs.
* Knowledge of cyber security principles relevant to schools and the ability to provide practical advice, guidance and recommendations.
* Awareness of business continuity planning, safeguarding considerations and contingency arrangements required for Schools IT services.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation including GDPR, FOI, SAR, Computer Misuse Act and education sector data requirements.
* Experience managing teams with varied workstreams and specialisms.
* Experience working under statutory, regulatory or organisational constraints when planning and delivering change.
* Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and delivering work to agreed deadlines.
* Experience establishing productive relationships with senior stakeholders, including school leaders and partners.
* Experience gathering and analysing user feedback and planning improvements.
* Understanding of project management approaches (e.g. structured or agile) and their application to Schools IT delivery.
* Ability to analyse information, evaluate risks and make sound, evidence based decisions.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues in a clear, straightforward way to non technical school users.
* Ability to design and monitor performance indicators to measure service effectiveness.
* Ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate workloads for self and team in line with school and Council priorities.
* Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and maintain constructive working relationships.
* Ability to identify key business requirements in schools and ensure IT solutions align with educational needs.
* Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and take proactive action to mitigate them.
* Ability to work creatively and collaboratively on service and solution design.
* Ability to manage and motivate staff using effective performance management principles.
* Ability to coordinate customer feedback, analyse results and drive improvements in Schools IT services.
* Professional, resilient and self disciplined, maintaining high standards under pressure.
* Strong commitment to delivering high quality IT services that support teaching, learning and school operations.
* Committed to equality, inclusion and safeguarding responsibilities.
* Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while supporting the wellbeing of staff and maintaining duty of care.
* Committed to achieving service objectives and continuous improvement.
* Customer focused with a strong commitment to supporting schools effectively.
* Confident engaging with senior leaders and external partners.
* Collaborative, constructive and values driven in approach.
Additional information
You should apply for this post using our online application form by clicking the “Apply now” button on this page.
The Supporting Information section of your application is the most important part. Please pay particular attention to it. It is where you tell us what makes you suitable for the job and will be assessed against the essential and desirable competencies in our Recruitment Pack for this vacancy.
You should refer to and address each competency listed in the Recruitment Pack in turn, providing evidence of the skills, experience and knowledge you have in each area by providing practical examples. Failure to complete this section in this way will considerably reduce the likelihood of you being shortlisted.
All the information you need to apply for this post is contained within this Recruitment Pack and the Application Guidance.
This vacancy is suitable for post share.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.
If you have been shortlisted, you will be invited to undertake an interview for this role which will be held on a virtual basis using an appropriate online platform. If you have any concerns around your ability to participate in a virtual interview process please contact Huw David (h.david@cardiff.gov.uk) for a discussion.
Please note the Council does not accept CV’s. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website :
Job Category ICT
Department Resources
Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent
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