IT Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager

The IT Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and monitoring of the network infrastructure, online services, servers, storage and backup. In addition to the on-going daily responsibilities associated with the role, the post holder is required to successfully lead technical projects which will encompass responsibility for the planning, documentation and sign-off of projects through to completion and delivery.

Responsible to and working alongside the Director of IT, the IT Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager is a senior position within the department and as such is responsible for providing management and leadership to a team of IT Technicians on a daily basis. The post holder will be required to work closely with all team members daily, as well as for larger IT projects.

IT Department Details

Our IT team is at the heart of our organisation's technological advancements and operational stability. We pride ourselves on being an energetic and dynamic group, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation while ensuring the seamless operation of our IT infrastructure. Our team is dedicated to providing robust, secure, and efficient IT solutions that empower our entire organisation to achieve its goals.

We continuously explore new technologies and methodologies to enhance our IT infrastructure and services. Whether it's adopting the latest cloud solutions, implementing advanced security measures, or developing new tools to improve efficiency, we are always looking for ways to innovate. Our goal is to create an IT environment that is not only reliable but also adaptable to the ever-changing technological landscape.

Under the leadership of our Director of IT, we are a collaborative group committed to excellence and continuous improvement. Our team includes a skilled Database Manager, a meticulous Data Assistant, and three talented IT Technicians who work tirelessly to maintain and enhance our IT landscape. We also have a creative AV technician who works alongside the team.

The main duties of the IT Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager include, but are not limited to:

• Install, maintain and support the operation of the IT infrastructure and online services and systems, ensuring uptime meets the requirements for the school.
• Implementation, management and daily monitoring of firewalls, online services, network, storage, servers and backup, to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Where problems occur, take the lead in ensuring prompt, methodical and efficient corrective action from the point of diagnosis through to solution.
• Day to day responsibility for the security and operation of online services, network infrastructure and Wi-Fi infrastructure.
• Manage on premise and online backup hardware and systems, to ensure all data and systems are backed up daily, weekly and monthly and liaise with external providers as required.
• Ensure updates to the network infrastructure, online services, firewalls, storage, servers and backups are conducted on a scheduled basis. This may involve liaising with external consultants, conferring with vendors, developing, testing and then installing updates.
• Meet weekly with the IT technicians to plan daily and weekly work schedules and to provide guidance and advice in order to solve technical queries in a timely, methodical and efficient manner.
• Meet regularly with the Director of IT and other members of the Senior Management Team regarding all aspects of network management and cloud services management and any other relevant issues within the department.
• Ensure staff and pupil Office 365 accounts (around 1500 users), are current and working.
• Manage the operation of the school's MS Active Directory and Azure platforms.
• Oversee the daily operation of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, Microsoft Intune and JAMF, for the deployment and management of school laptops, desktops and iPads.
• Oversee the daily operation of copiers and printers and management software.
• Manage and maintain the School's VoIP telephony systems.
• Maintain and update security certificates used by the school for various purposes, both internal and external.
• To maintain and ensure continued recording of the school's CCTV system.
• Liaise effectively with external vendors, suppliers and IT companies as required.
• Order and oversee the ordering of software and hardware for the whole school.
• Work in conjunction with the IT Director to design, develop and implement frameworks and procedures to guide the activities of the IT department in relation to projects and general ongoing works which align with the school's Digital Strategy.
• Work in conjunction with the IT Director to prepare and maintain a schedule of software licences and a hardware inventory for the school.
• Work in conjunction with the IT Director to prepare tender documents and business cases for the procurement of equipment and services.
• Prepare and keep up to date both system and any end user documentation as required.
• Deputise for the Director of IT in their absence, assuming overall management for the department and ensuring continuity of IT service to the school.
• The post holder will be required to move IT equipment around the campus in accordance with maintenance and hardware replacement schedules.
• Any other ad-hoc duties as deemed reasonable and necessary.

Continued Professional Development

The IT Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager is expected to attend courses and participate in training opportunities to ensure ongoing professional development in line with the skills, requirements and responsibilities of the position.

Participation in relevant professional organisations and associations and the maintenance and development of networks with associates from other organisations is expected and encouraged as part of the ongoing professional requirements of the role.

Out of Hours Emergency Response

The Director of IT will normally be responsible for responding to out- of- hours emergencies relating to the IT department. However, if the Director of IT is absent (eg: on annual leave) then the IT Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager is responsible for responding to out of hours emergencies.

Similarly, if the IT Director requires assistance from The Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager to deal with an emergency, the Infrastructure and Cloud Services Manager is expected to provide assistance, when required.

It is expected that any requests for response are limited only to emergencies and where contact for assistance is absolutely necessary.

Essential

• Educated to degree level or an equivalent qualification.
• Relevant Infrastructure and networking certification or experience.
• Proven experience in managing a small team of IT professionals.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Significant proven experience of managing MS Active Directory and Azure platforms in medium to large environments, including the use of group policy.
• Strong proven experience and understanding of VMware (or other virtualisation platforms) within a large-scale network environment.
• Strong proven experience and understanding of NGFW Firewalls in a medium to large-scale network environment.
• Proven ability to manage technical projects through the design and implementation phases, working effectively in partnership with external consultants as required.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work proactively both individually and as part of a team.
• The ability to mentor and support other members of the team with their professional development
• Proven experience of managing and troubleshooting medium to large sized L2/L3 data networks together with their underlying components and architecture.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal and a proven ability to communicate effectively with people of all levels within an organisation.

Desirable

• Any VMware, Microsoft, Fortinet or Cisco certification is desirable.
• Any exposure to scripting tools such as Powershell would be beneficial.
• Any exposure to Hewlett Packard server, desktop or storage hardware would be beneficial.

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.

Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged. Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work

In addition to salary our reward package includes:

• Enrolment into generous DC pension
• 28 days annual leave plus 10 bank holiday days
• Free gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to a number of major retailers, holiday, electric car and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being option
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time