Senior IT Support Technician - Progressive Secondary Academy in Taunton

Are you an experienced IT professional looking to step up and take a leading technical role in a thriving educational environment? A high-achieving, tech-forward secondary academy in Taunton is seeking a skilled and proactive Senior IT Technician to join their network infrastructure team on a permanent, full-time basis, starting as soon as possible.

In this advanced role, you will be the primary escalation point for complex technical issues, working closely with the Network Manager to maintain robust systems, secure networks, and cutting-edge digital classrooms that empower both students and staff., Reporting directly to the Network Manager, the Senior IT Technician will oversee complex 2nd and 3rd-line support requests, supervise junior support staff, and take hands-on responsibility for server maintenance, network security, device deployment, and core infrastructure upgrades across the academy campus., * Advanced Technical Support: Act as the escalation point for complex 2nd and 3rd-line hardware, software, network, and server incidents, ensuring rapid resolution and minimal downtime.

• Network & Server Administration: Maintain and troubleshoot Windows Server environments, Active Directory, Group Policies, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and core switching/routing infrastructure.
• Cloud & Virtualization Management: Administer Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace tenant environments, virtual machine hosts, and cloud backup systems.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Monitor network security protocols, manage firewall rules, oversee antivirus/endpoint protection, and ensure GDPR-compliant data handling.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Guide and support junior IT technicians, helping to triage daily helpdesk tickets and sharing technical expertise across the team.
• System Deployment & Project Work: Lead the rollout of hardware upgrades, software imaging projects, and new classroom tech integrations during term-time and school holidays.

• Professional Experience: Proven background working in a senior IT support, systems administration, or network engineering role-ideally within education or a fast-paced enterprise setting.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep working knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, Office 365 / Google Workspace administration, and TCP/IP networking.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Exceptional diagnostic skills with a calm, methodical approach to high-priority infrastructure faults and cybersecurity incidents.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead project rollouts, mentor junior staff, and explain technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Mandatory Clearance: An enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or readiness to complete a clearance process prior to starting).

• Competitive Remuneration: A strong senior salary package of £32,000 - £38,000 per annum (reflective of your technical certifications and experience).
• Contract & Benefits: Full-time, year-round contract featuring a generous holiday allowance, robust local government pension scheme, and secure on-site staff parking.
• Career Progression: Dedicated training budget and institutional support for advanced industry certifications (such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft Certified Professional).