IT, Data and Systems Director

IT, Data and Systems Director

Home based - National remit with travel Salary: £95,000 to £105,000 plus performance-related bonus up to 18%

Overview

We have created a brand-new role for an IT, Data and Systems Director to help accelerate our remarkable growth even further.

Since our inception in 2015, we have grown exponentially to become one of the UK's largest providers in our sector. Today, we operate:

• 24 schools
• 2 colleges
• 2 residential homes
• Alternative Provision services

With nearly 2,000 dedicated staff, we deliver personalised education and support to over 1,500 children, young people and adults.

And we are not stopping there. We have ambitious growth plans and need you to be part of it.

Your Role

As our organisation continues to grow, the demands on our infrastructure, systems and data capabilities are increasing. We need a visionary leader who can:

• Unify and lead our Infrastructure, MIS and Data Insights teams under one centralised department
• Drive innovation by leveraging emerging technologies (including AI) to enhance our capabilities
• Ensure scalability and security to support a diverse user base and safeguard sensitive data
• Deliver excellence by providing robust solutions for our staff, learners, families and stakeholders
• Working in strong collaboration with our DPO to ensure all systems and processes are designed and operate with data protection built in.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology within our organisation. While we are already ahead of the curve in our sector, our ambition is clear: to become the technology leader with tech as a key driver of success for the next decade and beyond.

You will join a stable, collaborative executive team of experienced subject matter experts who share a strong values-driven culture and mutual respect.

Skills and Qualifications

You do not need sector-specific experience to succeed in this role, but you will need:

• Extensive, proven experience in senior IT leadership roles
• Proven experience building data-driven organisations.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure and network operations
• Ability to integrate and lead multiple teams, fostering collaboration and high performance
• Demonstrated ability to use system improvement, automation and AI to deliver operational impact.
• Up-to-date knowledge in the fields of Data Protection and Information Security.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience in IT budgeting and financial management
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• A values-driven approach that recognises and appreciates contributions at all levels
• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field

Benefits and Additional Information

How to Apply

For candidates that haven't worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please apply in the first instance by submitting your CV via the careers page of our website.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete an online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

If you need assistance or more information, contact Stephen Hughes: Stephen.hughes@theauroragroup.co.uk

Important:

• Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
• The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
• The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
• This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
• Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.

Package:

• Salary: £95,000 to £105,000
• Bonus: Up to 18% of salary
• Holiday: 25 days (plus bank holidays) (rising to 28)
• Pension: 5% employer contributions plus salary sacrifice scheme
• Other benefits:
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
• Health cash plan
• 24-hour remote GP service
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Perkbox benefits platform

You do not need sector-specific experience to succeed in this role, but you will need:

• Extensive, proven experience in senior IT leadership roles
• Proven experience building data-driven organisations.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure and network operations
• Ability to integrate and lead multiple teams, fostering collaboration and high performance
• Demonstrated ability to use system improvement, automation and AI to deliver operational impact.
• Up-to-date knowledge in the fields of Data Protection and Information Security.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience in IT budgeting and financial management
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• A values-driven approach that recognises and appreciates contributions at all levels
• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field

Salary: £95,000 to £105,000 plus performance-related bonus up to 18%, * Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

• The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
• The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
• This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
• Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.

Package:

• Salary: £95,000 to £105,000
• Bonus: Up to 18% of salary
• Holiday: 25 days (plus bank holidays) (rising to 28)
• Pension: 5% employer contributions plus salary sacrifice scheme
• Other benefits:
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
• Health cash plan
• 24-hour remote GP service
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Perkbox benefits platform