IT Ops Manager
IT Operations Manager (Field based)
Multi-site role across several Independent schools in the East Midlands & Anglia regions
Up to £58,500 negotiable + strong benefits inc:
Expensed travel from closest base site, Contributory pension scheme – employer contribution up to 18%. Life assurance. Free lunches in term time, Comprehensive training support including non-contributory apprenticeship programmes; training grants / loans available. Cycle to work scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Retail and lifestyle discounts. Staff discount on school fees
Take ownership of IT across a modern, cloud-first environment
Ready to step into a role where you can genuinely shape IT strategy, lead teams, and drive transformation?
This is a standout opportunity for an experienced IT professional to take responsibility for IT operations across a group of well-resourced sites, delivering reliable, secure, and forward-thinking technology that directly supports end users. With support and development from Central Office.
You’ll combine hands-on technical expertise with leadership and strategic input, making this ideal for someone looking to move beyond pure support into a broader operational leadership role.
Why this role is different
Multi-site influence – lead IT across a cluster, not just a single environment
Cloud-first technology stack – heavily invested in Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
Real ownership – shape infrastructure, service delivery, and future roadmap for your schools within a bigger group.
Leadership opportunity – mentor and develop on-site technical teams in each site.
Continuous improvement focus – drive modernisation, not just BAU
Purpose-driven environment – see the direct impact of your work every day
The role
You’ll be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of IT services across multiple sites, ensuring systems are robust, secure, and aligned with organisational needs.
Key areas of impact:
Service Delivery & Operations
- Oversee day-to-day IT operations, support services, and infrastructure performance
- Act as an escalation point for complex technical issues
- Ensure consistent, high-quality IT support across all locations
Infrastructure & Cloud Technologies
- Manage and optimise Google Workspace environments (Admin Console, devices, security, data governance)
- Support and develop Microsoft 365, Azure/Entra ID, and hybrid infrastructure
- Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and future-ready
Projects & Change
- Lead infrastructure upgrades, system implementations, and technology rollouts
- Drive standardisation and best practice across sites
- Contribute to IT strategy and long-term planning
Security & Resilience
- Maintain strong cybersecurity practices and compliance
- Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning
Governance & Quality
- Manage documentation, asset registers, and reporting
- Ensure adherence to IT service management (ITIL-aligned) processes
- Oversee third-party suppliers and service quality
Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and develop a distributed team of IT technicians
- Work closely with stakeholders to understand needs and deliver solutions
- Promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing across sites
What you’ll bring
- Strong experience in IT operations, infrastructure, or service delivery
- Hands-on expertise with:
- Google Workspace (essential)
- Microsoft 365, Azure/Entra ID, Windows environments
- Experience leading or mentoring technical teams across multiple locations
- Solid understanding of ITIL-based service management
- Proven track record of delivering projects and driving improvements
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
Ready for your next step?
If you’re looking for a role where you can develop your technical leadership, used your hands-on expertise, and see real impact, this is an excellent opportunity
Job summary
Sector:
IT
Location:
East Midlands
Salary:
up to £58K negotiable on experience
Contract type:
Permanent
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ESP went above and beyond to connect me with the right opportunity and an invaluable partner in my professional journey. I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and support throughout the process. I truly can’t thank them enough for helping me make this vision a reality
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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
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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.
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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
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You have been an amazing help and I can’t thank you enough!
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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.
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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
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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
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Thank you for your help with this, you certainly do have some contacts and always find someone for us.
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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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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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Turn IT On