Head of Information Technology (IT)

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The Role

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Lakes College is a technical vocational Further Education College delivering education and training to full-time and part-time learners and apprentices to degree level. We have a vibrant campus in West Cumbria with state of the art vocational workshops and resources, including the National College for Nuclear Northern Hub.

Our mission and purpose are to:

' Enable people to recognise and develop their potential' .

We are a people business and our mission applies as equally to our staff team as to our learners and employers'. We are a Good college and have ambition to be Outstanding by together developing our culture, standards and expectations. We encourage innovation, collaboration and reflection to lead to new ideas and methods. We gather, evaluate and use data to drive operational improvement.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for a IT professional to undertake an all-encompassing digital role for a dedicated and ambitious individual who is ready for the next stage of their career to play a pivotal role in the development of our digital strategy . As the Head of IT at Lakes College, you will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of our digital infrastructure. Managing a team of college-based IT Operations staff, you will collaborate to develop IT strategies aligned with the organisation's objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking, well respected and expanding College, which is committed to leading excellent practice and innovation within the rapidly changing educational landscape.

The role will provide essential support in maintaining digital security, optimising performance, and ensuring continuous availability of college infrastructure, resources and digital learning platforms to support the needs of our academic community.

Key duties will include-

• To provide leadership and direction to the Digital Services Team ensuring effective communication and focused team working to deliver both the department and College objectives; playing a key role in self-assessment and development planning for the department and identify training needs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement a strategic vision for IT and digital technologies aligned with overall college strategic plan.
• Manage the college's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, servers, and cloud services, ensuring reliability, security, and scalability.
• Oversee the implementation and support of digital learning platforms, tools, and resources, ensuring they align with pedagogical goals and student needs.

Successful candidates will possess a m inimum of Level 5 or equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Education Technology or related field. You will also possess a minimum of a Level 5 or equivalent in Leadership and Management.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in managing IT operations, including infrastructure management, network security and helpdesk support as well as excellent communication and people management skills

In return we can offer-

• Generous annual leave - 40 days plus 8 days bank holiday plus 2 discretionary days

• Automatic entry into the Local Government pension Scheme.

• A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.

• Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching.

• Free onsite parking.

• Subsidised onsite restaurant.

• A cycle scheme tech scheme and discounted gym membership.

• Fantastic facilities to resource our ability to teach our students.

Qualifications
Qualification Title Grade Minimum Level 5 or equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Education Technology or related field
Essential
Minimum Level 5 or equivalent in Leadership & Management
Essential
Level 2 in English and mathematics or equivalent or willingness to undertake within 12 months of appointment
Essential

Skills
Experience Previous experience in managing IT operations, including infrastructure management, network security and helpdesk support
Essential
Experience embedding IT best practices, standards, and compliance requirements, including experience with data management, information security, and regulatory compliance e.g. Cyber Essentials Plus
Essential
Experience managing departmental budgets and resources.
Essential
Experience within a similar role
Essential
Experience working in Further Education or Higher education
Desirable
Abilities, Skills and Knowledge Able to evidence initiation and implementation of successful change
Essential