School Network Manager

Job Description: School Network Manager

Full Time - Chesham - onsite in one location

Salary: up to £42,000 DOE and additional benefits

Role Overview

The Network Manager will manage, develop, and support school client infrastructures, ensuring high service standards across desktop, servers, virtualisation, networks, disaster recovery, cloud, security, and managed services.

You will have a strong technical background in designing, implementing, and supporting IT solutions within a busy team environment, with proven troubleshooting skills. You will manage system issues proactively and support the long-term IT strategy for the school, working closely with senior leadership to align technology with operational goals.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of onsite technical support within schools.
• Strong experience with Windows Server (2003–2019), Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, IIS, DFS, Terminal Services, and education-related technologies.
• Knowledge of server hardware/software, security products, and third-party educational solutions

Desirable Experience

• Telephony, VoIP, wireless networks, and AV installation/support.
• Virtualisation technologies (Hyper-V, VMware).
• Security practices aligned with safeguarding in schools.
• Experience in management, coaching, or mentoring staff.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support

• Act as the onsite presence, addressing client issues, understanding their business needs, and maintaining clear documentation.
• Lead the development and delivery of the school’s IT strategy, working with senior stakeholders and reporting to senior leadership.
• Support and manage a range of technologies: desktop, email, connectivity, printers, telephony, and third-party applications.
• Administer and maintain infrastructure including Active Directory, LAN, firewalls, Exchange, Hyper-V, VMware, SAN, and backups (e.g., Veeam).
• Handle escalations from the service desk and ensure systems and networks are maintained and monitored effectively.

Service Delivery

• Ensure all issues are addressed within SLA targets while prioritising urgent matters.
• Maintain clear communication with clients, ensuring satisfaction with resolutions and the overall support experience.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date system documentation and ticket records to support efficient service and knowledge sharing across teams.

Team Management

• Mentor and develop onsite technicians to uphold service quality.
• Manage and review the performance and development of onsite staff, ensuring continuous professional development within the team.

Third-Party Liaison

• Engage with third-party suppliers for hardware, software, and connectivity support, ensuring SLA compliance and clear client communication on progress.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong technical expertise with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage resources effectively and support team development.
• High standard of reporting and documentation skills.
• Desire to contribute to a collaborative team environment.

This Network Manager role offers an opportunity to lead, develop, and deliver effective IT services within a school environment, ensuring technology is aligned with the school's strategic goals while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.