Location: Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust school sites, Romford
Working Hours: Permanent, full-time, on site (36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year)
Job Purpose:
In this role, you will lead the delivery of our IT service desk while also taking on hands‑on technical responsibilities. The ideal candidate will combine strong leadership skills with technical expertise to ensure exceptional service and support across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management
* Manage and support the IT service desk team to deliver high‑quality technical support across the Trust.
* Provide line management for junior team members.
* Oversee performance against SLAs, ensuring own and IT team targets are met and service standards maintained.
* Conduct regular team meetings, appraisals, and quality assurance checks on tasks and projects.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability within the IT team.
Technical Operations and Support
* Oversee the IT service desk while remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day technical tasks.
* Provide advanced technical support and act as the escalation point for complex hardware, software, and network issues.
* Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of IT systems, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
* Ensure timely and effective resolution of service desk tickets in line with priorities and SLAs.
* Drive efficiency and reliability through proactive system monitoring and performance optimisation.
* Promote a user‑focused service culture, ensuring consistent communication and support.
* Maintain clear technical documentation and knowledge‑sharing resources.
Systems Administration and Maintenance
* Manage and delegate routine maintenance tasks, including backups, updates, and patch management.
* Maintain accurate IT asset records and ensure regular audits are completed.
* Ensure infrastructure, servers, and systems operate securely and efficiently across all Trust sites.
Network Management
* Configuration, management, and troubleshooting of network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless systems).
* Collaborate with the Head of IT on network development, upgrades, and capacity planning.
* Monitor network performance to ensure reliability, security, and scalability.
Projects and Strategic Development
* Support the delivery of IT projects such as infrastructure upgrades, system migrations, and new technology roll‑outs.
* Contribute to strategic IT planning, aligning projects with the Trust’s goals and digital strategy.
* Ensure thorough documentation, testing, and evaluation for all project implementations.
Security and Compliance
* Ensure compliance with IT policies, GDPR, and data protection legislation.
* Identify and mitigate security risks through proactive system monitoring and patch management.
* Support the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, incident response, and disaster recovery planning.
* Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in relation to IT (filtering, monitoring, online safety).
Continuous Improvement and Professional Development
* Stay informed of emerging technologies and educational IT trends.
* Participate in professional development activities to enhance leadership and technical expertise.
* Encourage staff development through training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
Communication and Collaboration
* Build strong working relationships with stakeholders, including school leaders, staff, and external partners.
* Communicate technical information clearly to non‑technical users.
* Contribute to cross‑departmental initiatives that enhance the Trust’s IT service delivery.
IT Procurement
* Provide technical input into procurement and budget decisions.
* Obtain quotes from third‑party suppliers.
* Manage renewals (licenses, warranties, subscriptions).
* Comply with the Trust Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures of the Trust and its schools, and report any concerns to the appropriate person.
* Engage in continuous professional development and performance management arrangements.
This job description details responsibilities, but is not prescriptive and does not direct any particular priorities or amount of time to be spent carrying out the duties. It is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the grade and scope of the post. This job description may be subject to amendment, to meet the changing needs of the Trust, following appropriate consultation.
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Senior IT Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will assist in providing IT support to ensure the smooth operation of our IT systems. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly skilled and motivated individual to play a key and influential role in the next chapter of the Trust’s story.
Start Date: As soon as possible (subject to notice period)
Closing Date For Applications: 10am Monday 5th January 2026
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Interview Date: Week commencing 12th January 2026
We would welcome candidates to visit the Trust. Please contact Emma Tate (HR Manager) if you wish to arrange a visit: admin@drapers-schools.com
For further information please visit our website: www.drapers-schools.com and www.drapers-schools.com/41/why-work-for-drapers-multi-academy-trust
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Primary and Secondary Education
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