IT Manager and Senior Engineer

Welcome to Ada!

We are the UK’s top-performing National College for Digital Skills, shaping the next generation of digital pioneers. With campuses in central London and Manchester, we offer a high-achieving, positive learning environment where students are highly motivated, have excellent attendance, and demonstrate exemplary behaviour—allowing teachers to focus entirely on their subject specialism in disruption free classrooms

Purpose of the Role

You will be responsible for the IT service and technology operations for staff and learners across the college.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step from, for example, a Senior Engineer role into IT Management. As part of a growing college you will also have the opportunity to develop and scale up the service as we develop new provision.

You will have responsibility for the core IT function with day-to-day support from the Head of Operations and Director of Finance and Operations.

• Working closely with the Head of Operations and college leadership to define and deliver the IT strategy for the college.
• Managing IT staff and resources to deliver the day to day operations of IT Services including oversight of the IT helpdesk.
• Undertake performance management, training and motivation of IT staff
• Ensure the provision of a continuous IT service which meets organisational strategic goals.
• Work with the Head of Operations to develop the IT budget and support the annual planning process.
• Control and manage IT assets ensuring users have the tools needed for teaching, learning and administration.
• Lead on business continuity, IT and information security including design, drafting and maintenance of relevant policies and processes.
• Manage and monitor the performance of suppliers and contractors who offer support or delivery of ICT systems.
• Ensure that all IT activities are carried out with a real focus on the Customer and end user.
• Work closely with the Head of Operations to engage colleagues across Ada in the future shape of the IT service.

The above list is not exhaustive and may be changed by the Head of Operations as required.

The post holder will be expected to comply with any reasonable request to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in the job description.

Person Specification

• A background in systems integration (networks, servers and services) and / or application management (databases and enterprise applications)
• A clear understanding of the impact of the availability and quality of IT Services and support on the achievement of the colleges’ objectives
• Ability to effectively and efficiently organise time and resources to complete work accurately, thoroughly, and on time, detailing deliverables and tasks accordingly.
• Experience of Google and/or Microsoft Admin Consoles, as well as Cisco Meraki or similar.
• Aptitude to analyse and adjust work processes or methods to accommodate changes in work requirement
• An ability to provide leadership, direction and coaching to others to enable achievement of objectives
• The ability to assign work to others and empower them to undertake tasks whilst maintaining accountability.
• An ability to communicate efficiently and confidently both upwardly and to all customers
• A focus on customer service with the ability to identify and meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver a high-quality service.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose complex systems, networks, and application performance issues.
• Knowledge of current best practice, products, statutory, and regulatory requirements, including Data Protection, and Freedom of Information.
• Qualification at level 4 or 5 in an appropriate technical subject.

CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The following technical skills and experience are essential for this role and will be assessed throughout the interview process, including verbal and technical practical demonstration evaluations. We would prefer candidates to come with the full range of skills but will explore with successful candidates how we help them fill any gaps.

• Google Cloud Console and Administrator Dashboard (technical administration)
• Google Workspace Suite (technical support, management understanding and user training)
• Cisco Meraki Platforms (administration, configuration and management)
• Microsoft EntraID (administration, troubleshooting and management)
• Microsoft SQL Server (support, troubleshooting and management)
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms especially Microsoft Intune and JAMPro (support, administration, troubleshooting and management)
• Sophos Central Dashboard and Cloud Endpoints (administration and management)
• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificates (administrator and management)
• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) Core and Edge Switching (technical configuration, management, troubleshooting, and implementation)
• Hypervisors: VMWare and Hyper-V (administration, management and troubleshooting)
• Linux operating systems (preferable)
• Recent professional updating in related technical subjects.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Any job offer will be conditional on various, appropriate, pre-employment checks including a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and Barred List Check, having the legal right to work in the UK and having satisfactory overseas criminal records checks, if deemed necessary, and supportive references.

Ada. National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;

Applicants with disabilities

Ada is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We, therefore, encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application please contact hr@ada.ac.uk

Sponsorship

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for your interest in the role and good luck with your application!