* Network ManagerENDING SOONFast Apply# Network ManagerEmployerLocation: Taunton, SomersetContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: £35,852 - £39,649Posted: 9th January 2026Start Date: As Soon As PossibleExpires: 23rd January 2026 11:59 AMContract Type: PermanentStart Date: As Soon As PossibleJob ID: 1528585Job Reference: 43325Start Date: As Soon As Possible* Contract Type :Permanent* Job ID: 1528585* Share :**Job Title:** Network Manager**Actual Annual Salary:** £35,852 - £39,649 (CLF Grade E) Based on hours and working weeks**Contract Type:** Permanent**Hours:** Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday / All year-round**Additional role info:** The primary location for this role is Kingsmead Academy, Taunton, with travel to other academies when needed.**Provisional Start Date:** March 2026**Your opportunity to lead, evolve, and empower digital learning at Kingsmead Academy**We are seeking a highly skilled, proactive, and relationship‑driven Network Manager to join Kingsmead Academy, part of the Cabot Learning Federation. To be successful in this role, you will take lead responsibility for the development and maintenance of the academy’s network, ensuring it is secure, reliable, and fit for purpose. You will support all users across the academy, proactively managing the development, implementation, availability, and security of an effective ICT infrastructure and the processes that underpin it.In this pivotal position, you will take ownership of Kingsmead’s network systems, lead the on‑site ICT support function, and ensure the academy’s technology environment is resilient, high‑performing, and enabling high‑quality teaching and learning for our community. You will also play a vital role in reactive technical and diagnostic support, ensuring issues are resolved swiftly and effectively.From maintaining core network services and managing complex technical environments to coaching colleagues and driving forward improvement projects, your work will be central to ensuring Kingsmead Academy’s digital ecosystem remains reliable, safe, and ready to support students and staff every day.**About the role*** As Network Manager for Kingsmead Academy, you will:* Lead the development, maintenance and daily operation of the academy’s ICT infrastructure.* Act as Kingsmead’s primary technical lead, managing escalations and providing expert guidance to staff, students and ICT Technicians.* Work closely with the Principal, Operations Manager, SLT and the CLF central ICT team to support and shape the academy’s digital strategy.* Build strong relationships across the academy while ensuring high‑quality, customer‑focused ICT support.* Oversee core networking systems including switches, routers, VLANs, firewalls, DNS/DHCP, Active Directory, Office 365 and cloud services.* Manage hardware/software repairs, upgrades, audits, procurement and stock control.* Resolve support requests in line with Trust standards, acting as the escalation point for complex issues.* Support academy events and assemblies with reliable AV and ICT provision.* Contribute to Trust‑wide projects and major ICT upgrades, representing Kingsmead’s needs.**About you**You will have:* 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 ICT security, software integrity and modern management tools.* Confidence supporting Office 365, Azure, cloud services and education‑specific systems.* Familiarity with service desk platforms, mobile device management and AV technologies.* ICT support experience, ideally within education.* Clear communication skills, able to explain technical information to non‑technical colleagues.* A customer‑focused approach and ability to build positive working relationships.* Strong organisational skills to manage conflicting priorities in a fast‑paced environment.* Experience coaching or supervising others, or readiness to step into that responsibility.* Enthusiasm for technology and supporting people.* Integrity, resilience, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement.* A calm, empathetic approach under pressure.* Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and Kingsmead’s values.* Relevant IT qualifications (e.g. Level 3+, ITIL).* GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4+).Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification prior to submitting an application.As Network Manager at Kingsmead Academy, you’ll play a central role in shaping and delivering a high‑quality digital environment that supports exceptional teaching, learning, and operations. You’ll take ownership of the academy’s network infrastructure, lead on-site ICT provision, and work as part of a wider Trust community committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.This is an opportunity not just to maintain systems—but to influence how technology empowers staff and students across the academy.We offer:* The chance to directly influence IT strategy at academy level while contributing to Trust‑wide projects and improvements.* Flexible and supportive working arrangements, with opportunities to collaborate both on‑site and with the wider CLF IT teams.* Access to professional development, including technical training, leadership development, and pathways to progress within the Federation.* A collaborative and highly supportive IT network, where you’ll share best practice with colleagues across multiple academies.We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, 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.**What we can offer you:*** Access to 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 like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!**Recruitment timeline:*** Closing Date: 23 January 2026 @11:59am* Shortlisting: 23 January 2026* Interviews: 06 February 2026As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.**Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.****We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.***As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to #J-18808-Ljbffr