IT Manager

School of Coding & AI is looking for an experienced, technically capable IT Manager to lead our IT function as we expand our higher education provision.

You’ll need to be comfortable building infrastructure, getting new sites ready for teaching and resolving technical issues yourself when needed. Alongside this, you’ll develop a small IT team and establish a well-organised helpdesk that gives staff and students timely, effective support.

This role will suit someone who has delivered reliable IT services in a fast-paced organisation, understands the pressures of supporting a large user base with a small team, and can turn growing demand into clear priorities and practical improvements.

What you’ll be doing

Build infrastructure and launch new sites

• Plan and deliver IT infrastructure for new campuses, from connectivity and network configuration through to classroom technology and user access.
• Configure and maintain routers, switches, firewalls, Wi-Fi access points and wireless networks.
• Troubleshoot connectivity, routing, coverage and capacity issues to keep teaching and business operations running.
• Coordinate suppliers, installations and testing so new sites are ready for staff and students on opening day.

Create a responsive IT helpdesk

• Establish and run a structured helpdesk supporting more than 4,000 students and staff across our sites.
• Introduce clear ticket logging, prioritisation, ownership and escalation processes, with service targets that reflect operational needs.
• Manage workloads across a small team, ensuring urgent issues receive attention and users receive clear updates.
• Track response times, resolution times, backlogs and recurring problems, using the findings to improve support.
• Develop practical guidance, self-service resources and repeatable processes that help the team support users efficiently.

Manage systems, devices and security

• Oversee Microsoft 365, Azure, Active Directory, cloud services, user accounts and access permissions.
• Manage laptop deployment, configuration, updates, software licensing and IT asset records.
• Configure and manage BitLocker encryption, securely maintain recovery keys and resolve issues with BitLocker-protected laptops.
• Maintain effective patching, endpoint protection, backups and disaster recovery arrangements.
• Lead the technical response to cyber security incidents and strengthen security awareness across the organisation.

Lead the team and support growth

• Coach and develop the IT team, set clear expectations and remain actively involved in technical delivery.
• Work with academic and professional services teams to support learning platforms, student systems and classroom technology.
• Lead IT projects and develop an achievable improvement plan aligned with organisational growth.
• Manage budgets, procurement, suppliers and contracts, balancing service quality with value for money.
• Maintain accurate documentation and report to senior leaders on service performance, risks and investment priorities.

Requirements

Essential

• Experience managing IT services and leading a small team in a fast-paced organisation with a large user base.
• Proven experience building or substantially upgrading IT infrastructure and setting up new sites.
• Practical experience configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls and Wi-Fi networks.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure, Active Directory and Windows device management.
• Practical experience deploying and managing BitLocker, including recovery key management and troubleshooting locked devices.
• Experience establishing or improving an IT helpdesk, including ticket workflows, service targets and escalation processes.
• A sound understanding of cyber security, access controls, backups and business continuity.
• Experience delivering IT projects and managing suppliers, procurement and budgets.

Desirable

• Experience in higher education, education or another multi-site environment.
• Knowledge of learning management systems, student information systems and education technology.
• Experience with Microsoft Intune or other centralised device management tools.
• Knowledge of Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001 or similar security frameworks.
• Relevant IT qualifications or certifications, such as ITIL, Microsoft, Azure, Cisco or cyber security credentials.

Why join School of Coding & AI?

You’ll have a direct influence on how our IT function develops, from the infrastructure supporting new campuses to the quality of support students and colleagues receive each day.

Working with the Senior Leadership and teams across the organisation, you’ll help shape technology investment, develop your team and build services that can keep pace with our growth.

Benefits

• Salary from £40,000 to £48,000 depending on experience
• 28 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holiday
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Strong CPD and development opportunities
• Company and social events
• Retail discounts through Bright Exchange