Regional IT Operations Manager (Midlands)

Location: Midlands regional office - Lift Greenwood, Castle Vale, Birmingham (relocating to Lift Tamworth, B77 2NE in 2026)

Salary: £51,714 - £64,643 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Start date: ASAP

Are you looking for an opportunity to shape how technology supports education at scale?

Technology plays a vital role in making our vision of providing every child an excellent education, in every classroom, every day, a reality. We're now seeking an ambitious and people-focused Regional IT Operations Manager to lead and shape IT services across our growing Midlands region.

This is a high-impact management role, supporting 12 schools (8 in and around Birmingham and 4 in Staffordshire) and developing a talented regional IT team that directly enables great teaching and learning. Based at the Midlands regional office, Lift Greenwood (soon relocating to Lift Tamworth), you'll ensure strong IT operations across the region, with regular travel to all schools, gaining first-hand insight into how technology supports students and staff every day.

About the role

As Regional IT Operations Manager, you'll lead a team of 13 IT colleagues, including two Team Leaders, ensuring reliable, secure and forward-thinking IT services across the region. You'll balance strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, building strong relationships with school leaders and colleagues across the Trust.

What we're looking for
You'll bring:

• Strong experience leading and developing IT teams
• A background in IT operations, service delivery or technical leadership
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders in fast-paced, multi-site environments
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach

Ideally, you'll also have:

• Experience working in education or a similar people-centred environment
• Knowledge of Google Workspace and classroom technologies
• IT or project management qualifications (ITIL, PRINCE2, CCNA or similar)

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

How we support you

• Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career. Access to professional development, leadership pathways and funded training.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Closing Date: 18th February 2026

Interview date: 2nd or 3rd March

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.