Director of Technology – Closing date has passed.
Salary: From £80,000 depending on qualifications and experience
Closing date for applications: Monday 13th January 2025 at 9.00 am
Interviews provisionally scheduled to take place: Wednesday 22nd January 2025
AlphaPlus is globally recognised for excellence in the design, development and deployment of qualifications and assessments, and in the evaluation of their performance and impact. We work with schools, universities and professional organisations.
AlphaPlus is a member of the AQA group.
We currently have an exciting new opportunity for a dynamic individual to join our company as Director of Technology. They will be a member of the AlphaPlus Management Board and will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic technology plan which underpins and supports the wider company strategic goals. In doing so the ideal candidate will utilise their extensive experience in IT implementation, management and proven ability to enhance technological performance to support organisational goals. They will be an innovative, creative and commercially-focused individual who keeps abreast of technological developments.
They will act as line-manager for and work closely with the deputies/heads of functions.
The appointed person will be dynamic and inspirational, with:
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Inquisitive, able to think strategically, with analytical capabilities. Proactive in finding out information within and outside the company relevant to the role.
- Excellent problem solving and decision-making abilities.
- Commerciality: participating actively and willingly in activities to generate new business. Creative and innovative in approaching the winning of new work
- Creative and innovative approach to (specified) delivery.
- Excellent team leadership skills with ability to set technological vision and strategy for the organisation, engage and enthuse colleagues and drive the organisation forward.
- Customer service: communicating effectively with external and internal customers.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Financially literate with an understanding of how to manage finances on a corporate scale.
They will have the following professional/technical competencies and relevant experience:
- Expertise as IT/software practitioner, manager, and leader.
- Expertise in IT architecture, including databases and scalable technology platforms.
- Skills in strategic planning, project management, and budget management.
- Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management, software development, and emerging technologies.
- Skills in change management, process improvement, and team development.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
- Demonstrable experience as IT/software practitioner, manager, and leader.
- Demonstrable experience of leading on strategic technology initiatives.
- Demonstrable experience of managing software developers and third-party vendors.
- Demonstrable experience of acting as technical authority in previous roles.
- Substantial experience of delivering the technology related components of projects.
- Demonstrable experience of line management and team leadership.
- Demonstrable contribution to strategic vision, business planning and finances.
- Experience in education sector advantageous.
AlphaPlus currently has a core team of 66 staff primarily based in our Manchester head office, and in addition draw upon a team of approximately 800 associates.
The post is permanent, full-time working 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday and is Manchester office-based. The company offers hybrid working (two days per week minimum in the office, with three days working at home). A relocation package is available if appropriate.
The role will involve national and occasional international travel, potentially including working in customer offices.
Benefits include:
- discretionary profit related bonus scheme
- NEST workplace pension scheme – tier 1
- enhanced sick pay cover
- enhanced maternity/parental leave
- 25 days paid leave plus the eight statutory bank holidays
- commitment to developing the expertise of our employees.
For an informal discussion about the vacancy please email Tom Mitchell, tom.mitchell@alphaplus.co.uk who will arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss the role.
Please note that AlphaPlus is not licensed to offer sponsorship under the UK government’s skilled worker sponsorship scheme.
To apply:
The full job description and person specification are available at https://alphaplus.co.uk/opportunities/vacancies/director-of-technology/
Please read the application instructions and submit the following by the published closing date:
- a fully completed application form (download)
- a covering statement meeting the brief set out in the application instructions
- an up-to-date CV, tailored to highlight relevant qualifications and experience.
AlphaPlus jobs are based on competencies, which are published in the job description. When completing the covering statement, you are requested to set out how you meet the competencies relevant to this role, limiting this to no more than the five most important competencies. Please include how you meet the most important personal attributes and your most significant relevant experience.
ESP is advertising and forwarding candidates to AlphaPlus directly, by applying for this role via ESP’s website you should expect your CV and completed application form etc to be submitted to Alpha Plus for review.
Job summary
Sector:
IT
Location:
Manchester
Salary:
From £80,000 depending on qualifications and experience
Contract type:
Permanent
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Thanks to Will and the team for their outstanding support in helping us find much-needed Data Managers for The ONTO Group. As a small EdTech company, recruiting top talent can be a challenge, but their tailored marketing package has been a perfect fit for our needs.
The thoughtful design of the package has helped us connect with individuals who might not have considered applying previously, opening up new opportunities and strengthening our recruitment efforts.
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I wanted to extend my gratitude for the pivotal role you’ve played Steve in aligning me with the opportunity. Your proactive outreach, upon noticing the update on my LinkedIn profile, opened the door and throughout this process, your regular updates and unwavering support have been invaluable, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
It’s rare to find someone with the commitment and patience you’ve exhibited. Your professionalism and dedication are deeply appreciated, and I genuinely appreciate everything you’ve done to facilitate this match.
Colin Fear
Head of UK Accounts at iCT4
Will Townsend at ESP is excellent at sourcing candidates in very specialist areas, which we may otherwise not have found. He is open and honest, service oriented and prompt in any correspondence – I recommend Will and ESP wholeheartedly.
Berkhamsted School
Tara Day – HR Manager
Your contractor has been a fantastic support to the IT department over the past weeks and we can highly recommend him for any future contracts you arrange on his behalf.
Friern Barnet school
Business Manager
You have been an amazing help and I can’t thank you enough!
The Coopers’ Company and Coburn School
Sue Hay – Headteacher
Thank you for all of your assistance with this vacancy, it was a positive experience for us and we are grateful for your professional support throughout.
Leathersellers Federation of Schools
Leathersellers Federation of Schools
I have known William for many years. He was my first call when I began looking for a new job and matched me up with a great employer within a few weeks. He stayed in touch throughout the recruitment process and followed up after I began my new job to see how I was settling in. If you work in this area of education and are looking to recruit or move on from your current job this is the place to start.
Mark Blackwood Senior MIS Consultant
Senior MIS Consultant
William is both friendly and professional. Always prepared to listen and advise but never pushy. He found me a job doing what I have always wanted to do. Thank you!
Lesley, MIS and SIMS Consultant
MIS Consultant
Thank you for your help with this, you certainly do have some contacts and always find someone for us.
Sarah Ruiz MIS Services Manager
Cygnet IT services CIC
I am delighted with the service that ESP has provided, in particular Nick Sion, who has worked hard to secure me a position at a brilliant school in London. He has kept in touch with me at all stages of the recruitment process and has been extremely helpful to me.
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Justin, iSAMS Reporting Manager
I was contacted by ESP regarding a potential contract and from the first phone call over a year ago, to our continued communications, they have always been courteous, professional, and informative. Nick who is one of the Senior Consultants was especially helpful when organising my CV, paperwork and interviews before I started. He has also negotiated several extensions to my contract including a pay rise on my latest renewal.
Will, Marysia, Lewis and the whole team have also been very helpful when dealing with any queries I have had and they always go out of their way to ensure that I am paid on time. I would recommend ESP to contractors as they go the extra mile to make sure everything is in place, before and during the time you work for them.
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Mark, IT Contractor
Nick has been amazing and has supported me while I was looking for my next career move. He was always available if I had any questions or queries and went above and beyond when I was going through the hiring process for my new role. Nothing was ever too much trouble and I would not be in the role I am in today without his persistence and expertise.
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Luke, Candidate
I just wanted to drop you an email to comment on the excellent service I have received from Steve. From the very beginning of the recruitment process, Steve has been professional, helpful and very responsive in communications. I’ve been especially impressed by the updates I have been sent about the progress of the application without me having to chase. It’s a pleasure nowadays to find this sort of service. I have been very happy to deal with ESP.
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Job Candidate
Steve Simms has been fantastic through the whole process, he has made what can be a stressful process into something easy and relaxed. Steve took all my questions and concerns and provided me with honest and quick answers. He was always contactable and made me feel comfortable throughout. I thank Steve and ESP for landing me my dream job.
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ESP is my first port of call for any new positions I need to fill or for new positions for myself.
Lee Dowling, IT Manager
Edge Grove School
I would personally recommend Nick and ESP to any employer or job seeker in the education sector.
Daniel James, Group MIS Analyst
Cognita Schools
Will has done me proud whenever I’ve needed him over the years and I have recommended ESP to many friends and colleagues, whether they were hiring or looking to be hired. He clearly puts effort into matching people and roles, rather than just shoe-horning unsuitable people in.
Lee Dowling, IT Manager
Edge Grove School
ESP’s thorough and professional approach to recruitment is a refreshing change compared with other agencies that send unqualified candidates who do not meet requirements. The standard and consistency of candidates is always good and so is the level of communication and understanding of our requirements, which is most welcome.
Mark Nelson, Head of Service Delivery
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ESP makes it easy and find the right people fast!
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Throughout the four years I have worked with ESP, they have provided me with interesting and challenging IT contracts in schools. They are the best.
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ESP are excellent at recruiting candidates in very specialist areas, which we would otherwise not have found. Hard working, meticulous and prompt in any correspondence – I recommend them wholeheartedly.
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