Interim IT Manager

Your new company
A large and growing Multi-Academy Trust in the North West is seeking an experienced Interim IT Manager to support a significant period of transformation and growth. The Trust is currently undertaking a major centralisation programme across its education settings and is preparing to onboard additional primary schools into the Trust structure.With a clear vision to create a more centralised and strategic IT function, this is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in shaping IT services across multiple sites while supporting ongoing change initiatives and operational delivery.

Your new role
As Interim IT Manager, you will report directly to the Head of IT and provide both operational and project leadership across the Trust's IT estate.You will support a range of strategic technology initiatives including the centralisation of IT services, integration of new schools, stakeholder engagement with existing MSP providers and the ongoing modernisation of infrastructure and systems.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the delivery of the Trust's IT centralisation programme.
• Managing relationships with schools, stakeholders and third-party IT providers.
• Providing leadership and guidance to IT support teams and technical staff.
• Supporting the onboarding and transition of new schools into the Trust.
• Assisting with future TUPE and service transition activities.
• Ensuring high levels of IT service delivery and user support.
• Supporting cloud-first technology initiatives across Microsoft 365 and Google environments.
• Contributing to infrastructure modernisation projects, including long-term server reduction strategies.
• Working closely with senior leaders to allow the Head of IT to focus on strategic priorities.
• Providing technical oversight across networking, infrastructure and end-user computing environments.

This role will be predominantly based in Cheshire with occasional travel to local school sites.

Contract Details

• Interim contract initially until Christmas with the potential for extension.
• Start date: September 2026.
• Monday to Friday.
• 08:00 - 16:00.
• Full-time position.

What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of strong technical knowledge, leadership capability and project delivery experience.

You will ideally have

• Previous experience as a senior IT Tech, IT Manager, Infrastructure Manager or IT Service Manager.
• Alternatively, significant 2nd/3rd Line or Senior IT Technician experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience managing or supporting IT transformation projects.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure and modern cloud technologies.
• Exposure to Google Workspace environments.
• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, Servers, connectivity and end-user technologies.
• Experience working within education, public sector or multi-site environments would be highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to balance operational support alongside strategic projects.

What you'll get in return

• Opportunity to play a key role in a large-scale IT transformation programme.
• Exposure to significant education technology projects and cloud migration initiatives.
• The chance to work closely with senior leadership and influence future IT strategy.
• Potential for contract extension and longer-term opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Immediate impact within a growing and forward-thinking education organisation.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

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