Digital Strategy & Information Manager

Start date: As soon as possible
Contract: 40 weeks per year (term time plus 2 weeks), Fixed term of two years, 15 hours per week, 2-3 days per week Monday to Friday
Responsible to: Director of Finance & Operations

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Cheltenham Bournside School as a Digital Strategy and Information Manager. We are looking for a Digital Strategy and Information Manager to provide strategic leadership for all aspects of digital development, IT Systems and Data Governance and Compliance. As well as ensuring that the school is proactive in keeping abreast with technological
developments (e.g. AI and process automation).

As a Digital Strategy and Information Manager you will line manage IT Services technical staff and the Data and Curriculum team as well as acting as a Data Protection Officer for the school.

Job Description

Purpose

• To provide strategic leadership for all aspects of digital development, IT systems, data governance and compliance.
• Line manage the IT services technical staff and lead a cross-school digital strategy to ensure systems are secure, scalable, aligned to educational priorities, and future-ready.
• Line manage the Data and Curriculum team to ensure that information provided for decision making is timely, accurate and as automated as is possible.
• Ensure that the school is proactive in keeping abreast with technological developments (e.g. AI and process automation)
• Act as the Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) for the school (external DPO support is available to help with compliance and dealing with complex issues), ensuring the highest standards of data protection and regulatory compliance.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the formulation and delivery of a Digital Strategy ensuring alignment with educational, operational, and co-curricular priorities.
• Provide visionary leadership in the development of secure, resilient and innovative digital infrastructure and systems
• Build a culture of digital ambition and service excellence, ensuring technology enhances every aspect of school life.

Team and Operational Management

• Line manage and support the IT Manager and the Data & Curriculum Manager, ensuring high performance, professional growth, and collaborative culture.
• Oversee the delivery and support of IT and Data services, ensuring effective helpdesk provision,infrastructure and information maintenance, and strategic projects.
• Ensure the teams meet agreed KPI’s for service delivery.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, procurement, and service contracts, securing best value, including effective management of IT licencing schemes

Data Governance, Analytics and Protection

• Lead on the architecture and implementation of systems for data management, analytics, and reporting, enabling evidence-based decision- making.
• Ensure data integrity, accessibility and relevance for use across academic tracking, safeguarding, admissions, finance, compliance and beyond.
• Ensure compliance with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and associated regulations.
• Maintain and monitor data protection policies, conduct regular data audits and impact assessments, and act as the point of contact for ICO-related matters. Cyber Security and Risk
• Oversee and maintain cyber security protocols, including penetration testing, system monitoring, and incident response planning.
• Maintain the IT risk register and lead on the development and testing of disaster recovery and business continuity plans, whilst providing effective lifecycle management of key infrastructure.
• Ensure appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place to protect personal and sensitive data.

Collaboration and Training

• Work closely with academic and operations staff to ensure digital systems are tailored to the pedagogical and operational needs of each school.
• Deliver and commission appropriate training and support for staff and students to increase digital literacy and confidence.
• Act as a strategic partner to senior leaders, contributing to long-term planning and whole-school initiatives.

Person Specification
Qualification

Essential:

• Degree-level education in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in relevant areas, including IT strategy, cyber security, or data compliance.

Desirable

• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. IT TQM qualification, Prince2 or similar, GDPR practitioner certification)

Experience, understanding and knowledge

Essential:

• Substantial experience in strategic leadership of digital services, IT systems and/or data functions, ideally in an educational setting and utilising the Microsoft 365 suite.
• Proven experience managing and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in leading major IT or digital transformation projects. Practical understanding of data protection legislation
• Experience of process mapping and quality services provision

Desirable:

• Previous experience in the secondary school sector.
• Familiarity with School MIS systems, MS Power platforms or similar.
• Experience of leading a data protection function.
• Familiarity with the DfE Technology standards.

Personal Qualities:

Qualities specific to this role that we are looking for:

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and strategic mindset.
• Ability to balance high-level strategic thinking with hands-on project delivery.
• Effective communicator, able to translate complex technical matters for non-specialist audiences.

Personal and Professional

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and strategic mindset.
• Ability to balance high-level strategic thinking with hands-on project delivery.
• Effective communicator, able to translate complex technical matters for non-specialist audiences

Please click on Apply Now to view the full Job Description and Person Specification and download an applications pack, or request one via the email address to the right of this advert.

If you would like to apply, please complete the online forms and email them via the email address to the right of this advert by the application deadline.