Job Description
Job Title: Cluster ICT Network Manager
Location: callington camelford (Cornwall based)
Grade/Salary: Grade H (Plymouth Legacy) £39,513 to £43,693
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Reports to: Cluster Operations Manager (with matrix management to WeST ICT Operations Management)
Responsible for: ICT Technicians
Key Relationships: Headteachers, cluster-based colleagues including Finance, HR, Estates, and School Improvement teams
Job Purpose
supporting the effective operation of the Trust by upholding and promoting its vision and values. This role is responsible for managing and developing all ICT services within the cluster, leading the ICT support team to deliver seamless and robust technology solutions.
Working collaboratively with the West ICT Operations team, the Cluster ICT Network Manager will ensure the ongoing development, maintenance, and optimisation of ICT services aligned with the Trust’s strategic plan. The role involves managing service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing budgets, and driving continuous improvement through effective service rationalisation and optimisation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
* Champion West’s core values in all behaviours, actions, and decisions, prioritising exceptional customer experience and educational support.
* Collaborate with West to develop and implement ICT vision, strategy, and plans that align with educational goals.
* Ensure operational availability and reliability of ICT services across the cluster.
* Support and align cluster ICT operations with West’s operating model and organisational design.
* Manage, develop, and optimise cluster ICT services to support teaching, learning, and administration objectives.
* Provide leadership and mentoring to ICT Technicians through regular performance reviews and professional development.
Operations
* Ensure accurate recording of all incidents, changes, and service requests using appropriate tools to facilitate meaningful management reporting.
* Proactively manage ICT infrastructure and services to maintain robustness and reliability.
* Prioritise and resolve ICT incidents efficiently, escalating as necessary and communicating clearly with stakeholders.
* Oversee ICT asset management including procurement, inventory, and disposal in partnership with West
* Secure cost-effective software licenses and manage their renewals.
* Maintain data backup procedures consistent with the Trust’s business continuity policies.
Network Management
* Collaborate with West to procure ICT resources within budgetary and regulatory frameworks, ensuring best value.
* Maintain and test ICT service continuity plans, ensuring documentation is current and effective.
* Minimise service outages and oversee third-party supplier recovery and contingency planning.
* Manage access control processes, conducting regular audits of ICT permissions.
* Coordinate maintenance and deployment schedules with cluster and WeST ICT teams.
* Monitor ICT system usage, reporting any policy breaches in line with child protection, e-safety, and data protection policies.
* Lead ICT projects to enhance cluster and Trust-wide services under WeST guidance.
Developmental
* Support the strategic deployment of e-learning technologies across the curriculum.
* Assist in creating and delivering ongoing ICT training to enable staff to maximize technology use.
* Participate actively in Trust meetings, training, and development activities.
* Recommend technology and service improvements for cluster and Trust benefit.
* Foster collaborative working relationships across the Trust, sharing knowledge and resources effectively.
* Support implementation of best practice methodologies such as ITIL and Agile.
* Contribute to system rationalisation, standardisation, and centralisation projects.
Person SpecificationQualifications
* Essential:
* Professional ICT qualification in network management or information systems
* Desirable:
* Foundation qualification in Project or Service Management (e.g., APM, Agile, ITIL)
Experience
* Essential:
* Installing, configuring, and maintaining ICT products and services
* Hands-on troubleshooting for hardware and software
* Desirable:
* Managing people and budgets
* Project management
* IT service management and delivery
* Performance measurement and monitoring
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
* Essential:
* Strong team, interpersonal, and communication skills
* Broad technical knowledge covering ICT design, implementation, and operation
* Awareness of digital technologies including cloud services and automation
* Logical and calm problem-solving approach with strong analytical skills
* Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines under pressure
* Experience developing and overseeing ICT services in education
* Ability to diagnose and fix faults to ensure continuous service (24/7)
* Experience planning and managing installation of new ICT systems
* Confidence in delivering ICT training to staff
* Commitment to collaborative working and governance in ICT
* Understanding of Health and Safety and Data Protection in ICT contexts
* Desirable:
* Knowledge of ICT’s role in administration (e.g., SIMS) and teaching & learning
* Ability to relate and communicate with young people
* Research skills in ICT products and solutions
* Ability to present technical ideas in simple language
* Highly self-motivated with strong attention to detail
* Strong customer service focus
* Promotes collaborative and team-oriented environments
* Adaptable to change, even without full visibility of all factors
Further Requirements
* Essential:
* Ability to travel between sites
* Desirable:
* Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation