Head of Systems

Operating across multiple schools, colleges and specialist education sites, the organisation is united by a clear purpose: creating better opportunities and outcomes for every learner. Technology, systems and data are central to achieving this ambition. The organisation is now looking for an experienced systems leader to shape its future systems strategy and drive meaningful digital improvement across the Trust. Your new role: As Head of Systems, you will take ownership of the organisation’s business and education systems strategy, leading the development of a secure, integrated and future-ready systems environment. This is a highly visible leadership position where you will have the opportunity to influence senior decision-making, modernise the systems landscape and improve how technology and data support approximately 6,000 users. You will lead a Systems Team of four and oversee a portfolio of around 15 core systems and integrations across a complex, multi-site organisation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering an organisation-wide digital systems strategy and roadmap.
• Leading systems governance, compliance, access management and change control.
• Creating a clear data strategy that improves quality, reporting and organisational insight.
• Driving the integration, optimisation and rationalisation of systems across the organisation.
• Ensuring platforms are secure, resilient, accessible and fit for the future.
• Leading on GDPR, DPIAs, data quality and safeguarding assurance.
• Managing strategic supplier relationships, contracts, licensing and renewals.
• Holding external partners accountable for performance, security and value for money.
• Exploring opportunities presented by AI, automation and predictive analytics.
• Leading, developing and inspiring a Systems Team of four.
• Working closely with senior leaders to turn complex organisational needs into effective systems solutions.

You will be an experienced systems leader who can combine strategic thinking with strong technical and commercial awareness. You will need:

• Proven systems leadership experience within education, the public sector or another complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise systems architecture, integration and data governance.
• Experience creating systems strategies, roadmaps and governance frameworks.
• A thorough understanding of risk management, compliance and data protection.
• Strong supplier, contract and commercial management experience.
• Experience leading teams, transformation programmes and cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of business intelligence tools, SaaS platforms and cloud-based systems.
• The ability to interpret complex information and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in IT, systems management or a related field.
• The flexibility to travel across the organisation’s sites.

Experience within education, SEND services, safeguarding or a large multi-site environment would be particularly valuable.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the systems, data and digital direction of a large, purpose-led organisation. You will have the autonomy to influence strategy, modernise the systems landscape and introduce new approaches that make a genuine difference to employees and learners. Alongside a salary of £60,218 to £68,570, the benefits package includes:

• A competitive pension scheme.
• Flexible working policies.
• Generous annual leave.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Wellbeing, counselling and mental health support.
• Salary sacrifice schemes.
• Employee discounts and season ticket support.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• A supportive, collaborative and inclusive working environment.