Key Role Information

Salary
Grade 14/15 SCP 43-50. Actual Salary £54,495.00 - £62,422.00
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
27/02/2026 12:00
Interview
6 March 2026
Contract term
AYR - All year round
Pay grade
NJC | SCP43 - SCP50
Department
Trust Central Team
Key stage
Not Applicable
Hours per week
37.00
Weeks per year
52.000
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

'...Extending high quality SEN education to as many children and young People as we can...'

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, hands-on leader to influence trust-wide digital development while ensuring robust, compliant and future-ready IT provision.

The Propeller Academy Trust is dedicated to supporting young people with special needs, creating an environment where each student progresses along their own unique path. By becoming part of our dedicated and inclusive central team, you’ll play a vital role in driving our Digital Technology Strategy, ensuring that our systems are secure and effective, and lead the delivery of high-quality IT operations and data protection across all schools.

What we Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Full induction programme
  • Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on-site parking
  • Flexible working options (part-time or job share considered)
  • Local Government Pension (LGPS)
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)
  • A strong and supportive work culture defined by teamwork

About the Role

  • Lead the Trust’s digital technology strategy, providing expert guidance on emerging technologies, cybersecurity and compliance.
  • Oversee all IT operations including infrastructure, networks, cloud platforms, cybersecurity and system resilience across multiple sites.
  • Manage and develop the IT team, ensuring high quality service-delivery, clear SLAs and effective technical support for all users.
  • Act as the Trust’s Data Protection Lead, ensuring GDPR compliance, delivering staff training and embedding strong governance practices.
  • Drive and deliver complex IT projects, upgrades and digital transformation initiatives to enhance teaching, learning and operational efficiency.
  • Manage budgets, procurement, contractors and risk assessments to ensure secure, cost-effective and future ready IT provision.
  • Maintain robust disaster recovery, business continuity and safeguarding-aligned security controls across all systems.

What we’re looking for

  • Degree or equivalent qualification in an IT discipline or substantial proven experience leading IT across an organisation.
  • Proven experience in managing multi-site IT infrastructure, cloud environments and hybrid systems.
  • Strong background in leading IT support teams delivering remote and onsite services.
  • Expertise in complex technical problem-solving, cybersecurity, backup solutions, and business continuity planning.
  • In-depth knowledge of GDPR, data protection, IT standards and statutory requirements.
  • Experience managing budgets, projects, staff performance and third-party suppliers.
  • Skilled in automation/scripting, disaster recovery, and producing reports and presentations.
  • Experience in delivering training and development to a range of stakeholders.
  • High levels of confidentiality, integrity and professional judgement.
  • Proactive, calm under pressure and solution driven.
  • Self-motivated, adaptable and able to contribute effectively towards policy development.
  • Strong leadership skills with ability to lead and motivate staff.

How to Apply

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please apply online via the link provided. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

To find out more, please contact the Director of HR & Operations via recruitment@propellertrust.org

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent qualificationessential
Senior leadership or management qualification essential

About Us

At The Propeller Academy Trust, we are dedicated to supporting young people with special educational needs, fostering an environment where every student progresses along their own unique path. Our passion for inclusion and innovation drives us to create exceptional opportunities for students to thrive, achieve their full potential, and embrace their individuality.

When you join our team, you’ll become part of a supportive and collaborative community, united by a shared mission to make a real difference every day. Whether you're an experienced professional or starting your journey in education, we offer a nurturing workplace where your talents, skills, and ambitions can flourish.

Our staff benefit from extensive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes, secondment opportunities across our Trust sites, and a vast range of discounts available to those working in education. We also prioritise staff wellbeing, offering initiatives such as wellbeing days, because we believe that supporting our staff is as important as supporting our students. 

Discover how you can contribute to our mission of excellence and inclusion. Explore our current vacancies and take the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful career with Propeller Academy Trust.

If you're passionate about inclusion and innovation, explore our current vacancies and discover how you can play a vital role in shaping lives, empowering futures, and achieving your own career aspirations with The Propeller Academy Trust.

Trust Central Team

Ellie Danby

recruitment@propellertrust.org

The Lambourn
Wyndyke Furlong
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 1UJ

Safeguarding Information

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.