Senior Network Manager (Education IT)

We are recruiting a Senior Network Manager to lead the delivery of IT services across multiple schools for an Edtech IT Managed Service Provider. This is a hands-on senior role combining technical leadership with mentoring a small support team, acting as the main escalation point, and leading infrastructure and security projects.

You will work directly with headteachers, school business managers, and trust leaders, helping ensure reliable, secure IT systems so schools can focus on teaching and learning.

What you'll be doing

Technical leadership

• Senior escalation point for complex network and server issues
• Design, build, and maintain networks, servers, storage, and security
• Administer AD, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP, Office 365, Google Workspace, and virtualisation
• Drive cyber security, patching, backups, and disaster recovery
• Lead major upgrades including Wi-Fi, server rebuilds, cloud migrations, and device rollouts

Team support and mentoring

• Mentor and develop junior technicians
• Provide hands-on guidance in troubleshooting and projects
• Delegate and oversee work to maintain service standards

Service delivery and projects

• Deliver high-quality IT support across multiple schools
• Scope and implement infrastructure, cyber, and compliance projects
• Create and maintain technical documentation

Customer engagement

• Senior technical contact for school and trust leaders
• Translate technical information into clear, accessible language
• Build trusted relationships across school communities

Do you have a valid Driving Licence license?, Do you have experience in Virtualization?, * Education IT experience (non-negotiable)You must have worked in a school, college, multi-academy trust, or education MSP (current or previous).

• Senior technical experience
• 7+ years in IT support
• 2+ years in a senior or lead network/technical role
• Proven escalation ownership
• Full UK driving licence Regular travel between school sites is required.
• Within commutable distance of the West MidlandsYou must be able to travel to Dudley, Brierley Hill, and surrounding areas.
• Enhanced DBS A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check is mandatory before starting.
• Core technical capability Windows Server, AD, GPO, DNS/DHCP, networking (VLANs, firewalls, wireless), O365/Azure/Google Workspace, security, backups, DR.
• Leadership and communication Experience mentoring others and engaging confidently with non-technical stakeholders.
• Flexibility Willing to travel between schools and join an on-call rota.

Desirable

• MSP experience
• MIS or curriculum platforms
• Microsoft, VMware, CompTIA certifications
• Identity and access management
• ITIL or PRINCE2 exposure
• Ticketing systems such as Freshdesk

• Competitive salary
• Company pool car/van usage
• Pension scheme
• Training and certification budget
• Discounted gym membership
• Staff events and team building
• Hybrid working flexibility