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# Head of IT Operations | Independent School in Tower Hamlets

- **Company:** Marchant Recruitment
- **Location:** London, United Kingdom
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £59,020
- **Contract:** Temporary to permanent
- **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, Backup Devices, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Information Systems, Data Integrity, Data Security, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Disaster Recovery, Domain Name System (DNS), Monitoring of Systems, Information Technology Operations, Internet Security, Network Security, Windows Servers, Network Architecture, Student Information Systems, Single Sign-On, Virtual Local Area Networks, Virtualization Technology, Wi-Fi Technology, HybridCloud, Gsuite, Cloud Migration, Firewall Services Module, Cisco
- **Published:** November 13, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5963786203

## About the Role

* Proven experience managing IT operations, network infrastructure, and technical support teams (prior leadership experience within a secondary school, academy trust, or public-sector setting is strongly preferred).
 * Comprehensive technical command of Windows Server environments, Active Directory/Entra ID, Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace administration, networking (VLANs, DNS, DHCP, enterprise Wi-Fi), and virtualization.
 * Strong working knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, backup/disaster recovery frameworks, GDPR data security, and statutory educational web-filtering requirements (KCSIE).
 * Relevant IT degree or industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified, CompTIA Network+/Security+, Cisco CCNA, ITIL) OR equivalent senior technical leadership experience.
 * Exceptional leadership, vendor negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical risks into clear operational solutions for non-technical senior leaders.

## Description

Reporting directly to the Director of Business & Operations, you will hold end-to-end operational responsibility for the school's IT ecosystem, server infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, and AV/classroom technology. Leading a team of dedicated IT Technicians, you will balance strategic planning-such as cloud migration, hardware lifecycle management, and vendor procurement-with responsive, high-tier technical escalation. Your leadership will ensure zero-downtime reliability across administrative offices, specialist computing labs, and interactive teaching spaces.

 * Environment: A modern, technology-rich Inner London campus featuring hybrid cloud architecture (Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace), enterprise Wi-Fi networks, interactive classroom displays, and specialized STEM/media suites
 * Culture: An innovative, collaborative, and high-integrity school community committed to digital transformation, online safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, * Formulate and execute the school's IT operational roadmap, overseeing infrastructure upgrades, annual hardware replacement cycles, and capital IT budget allocation to ensure value for money.
 * Manage and mentor the technical support team, overseeing helpdesk SLAs, daily ticket triage, preventative maintenance schedules, and professional development for junior technicians.
 * Maintain robust network security, data integrity, and business continuity, enforcing strict cybersecurity controls, firewall configurations, backup protocols, and GDPR compliance.
 * Oversee school-wide safeguarding and online safety filtering/monitoring systems in strict alignment with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and DfE digital standards.
 * Act as the primary technical lead for school Management Information Systems (e.g., SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom), single sign-on integrations, and third-party vendor/MSP contract management.