Head of IT

Location 188 York Road, London SW11 3JZ Vacancy Type Permanent/Full Time Salary £60,000 to £70,000 per annum depending on experience Application Deadline Friday, June 7, 2024 Job Summary

The RAD is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment.

Great opportunity for an experienced IT professional to join the team.

About us

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is a global leader in dance education and training. Our mission is to promote the art of dance and ensure its development through diverse and inclusive dance education and training programmes across the world, nurturing creativity, innovation, artistry and excellence. Through dance we can enrich lives and transform communities.

With a purpose-built global headquarters in Wandsworth / Battersea, London, the RAD has a presence in 85 countries and 36 offices around the world. Established in 1920, the RAD was granted a Royal Charter in 1935. The RAD is a registered charity, a higher education establishment and an awarding body.

About the role

Are you a seasoned senior IT professional with a passion for driving technology solutions forward? Do you thrive in busy environments and possess a knack for leading small teams to success? If yes, then we want to hear from you

In this role you will work with the Chief Operating Officer to oversee the IT department regarding the installation and maintenance of the computer network systems at the Royal Academy of Dance.

You will develop, support and implement the IT strategy, manage the smooth running of all IT systems, devices, networks and policies, ensuring they are aligned to the delivery of the RAD’s strategy and objectives. You will also lead the small internal IT support team along with third parties and specialist consultants in the provision of reliable and effective IT services.

Working in a collaborative team, you will be as happy rolling your sleeves up and getting involved in the day to day as much as being the driver of projects on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead, develop and coach the IT team, ensuring that it is always appropriately staffed, motivated, and effective.
• To design and deliver the RAD IT strategy to meet its strategic goals and objectives.
• Responsible for the IT strategy, planning and migration to cloud products and services including the rolling out of training.
• To ensure cost-effective procurement of IT equipment, software, telecoms and outsourced services, providing technical expertise for the development and support with third parties.
• Ensuring provision of high-quality and efficient remote / hands-on IT support to all RAD employees, with service levels that are clearly defined, measured, and communicated.
• Manage and develop all aspects of Information Governance and Security for the RAD Group (Global).
• Maintain the IT department policy portfolio ensuring all the necessary internal and regulatory policies are updated, written, and disseminated.
• To lead disaster recovery planning relating to information technology and workspace recovery for London HQ.
• To develop and maintain an appropriate IT infrastructure, including voice and data network that supports all UK sites including regional colleagues. Responsible for the smooth running of all telephony platforms including company mobiles.
• To oversee the maintenance, support and upgrade (where required) of IT infrastructure including servers, storage, networks and security.
• Responsible for IT budgets, ensuring that there is rigorous monitoring and management control over costs.
• To provide effective contribution to the work of senior management and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues across the Academy.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has substantial experience at a senior level across the full range of IT service delivery in an organisation of comparable size and complexity.
• Has relevant technical skills including: Windows Server 2012 and newer operating systems, Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11, Hardware including desktops, laptops, printers and peripherals, Server and Storage ideally in a hyper-converged architecture, VMware vSphere, Veeam Backup and Replication, Cisco Meraki Firewalls, Switches and Wi-Fi, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Office 365, Microsoft SQL Server and databases
• Has demonstrative analytical problem-solving skills using various troubleshooting methodologies.
• Has experience of managing cloud products and services including: Office 365 environment and Knowledge of Microsoft best practices for security configurations (policies), migration, and VMware VM management
• Has knowledge of cyber security best practices
• Has knowledge of VMWare High-Availability virtual server hosting infrastructure and storage area networks. Microsoft Azure including: Azure Active Directory, SSO, Multi-Factor
• Has a good understanding of Microsoft Active Directory based network with common Microsoft server components.
• Has experience of implementing strategic aims and objectives
• Has experience of financial and budgetary processes.
• Has excellent organisational skills; ability to plan, prioritise and meet deadlines, with an independent self-motivated approach to work
• International experience would be an advantage

We are passionate about providing a positive workplace culture. While time in our accessible London (Wandsworth / Battersea) office will be required, we operate a hybrid model of in-person and remote working. Staff discounts on dance and fitness classes and wellbeing resources, plus events and volunteering opportunities enhance the RAD experience, as well as a range of lunchtime activities including book club, dance, Pilates and a craft club.

We also offer 25 days paid holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a birthday day off, contributory pension scheme, access to the Perkbox discounts platform – including an Employee Assistance Programme, WeCare scheme, Bupa cash plan, life assurance, season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.

Due to the nature of the RAD’s work, the successful candidate will be required to have a Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications which do not include a full employment history and reference details will not be taken forward to the shortlisting stage.

All colleagues are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the RADs Safeguarding Policy at all times.

We encourage and welcome applications from people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Please let us know if you have any access needs for the interview.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and bring relevant documents if invited to attend an interview. We are unable to sponsor people under the Skilled Worker scheme.

No agencies please.

OUR VALUES WE ARE

• Exceptional Together - working collaboratively to achieve exceptional outcomes.
• Creative Innovators – at the forefront of new artistic ideas and approaches.
• Champions of wellbeing – providing a supportive environment and promoting the wellbeing of the dance community.
• Open to all – removing barriers to participation.
• Happy to help – providing excellent customer service and being helpful and friendly.

To find out more about the RAD please visit our website: