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Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change) at The Mercian Trust - Digital & IT
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The Mercian Trust
About This Role
Job Title: Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change)
Location: Walsall
Operational Excellence at The Mercian Trust
The Operational Excellence Department sits within the Finance, Business and Operations service of The Mercian Trust, bringing together IT, Communications & Marketing, Data Science, and User Experience into a single service dedicated to enabling exceptional outcomes for our schools. Drawing on expertise across technology, data, communications, service design, and digital innovation, the team works collaboratively with school leaders, educators, and support staff to make systems simpler, decisions smarter, and services more effective. The department leads strategic transformation projects, develops trust-wide digital capability, strengthens communication and engagement, and ensures that technology and data are used purposefully to improve experiences for staff, pupils, and families. By combining this expertise with a strong understanding of education, the team helps schools focus on what matters most, delivering outstanding learning opportunities and supporting every child to thrive. Operational Excellence is not simply a support function; it is a catalyst for innovation, continuous improvement, and sustainable organizational growth.
INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES, IMPROVING OUTCOMES
As one Trust, we share a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education. When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national, and international community.
Put simply, our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for our students. We are particularly committed to students who are under-served and under-resourced. We prioritize those who have special educational needs and disabilities, or who are more likely to face discrimination for whatever reason.
It is this common purpose that fuels everything we do. We deliver impactful, sustainable, and ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in the very best and most inclusive schools.
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We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). We adopt a pioneering spirit and look to lead the sector with innovative solutions to the problems our students and families face.
Want to make a difference to young people?
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students? We are looking for a Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change) to join The Operational Excellent Team. You will undertake:
Key responsibilities:
- Provide end-to-end operational ownership of Trust-wide information systems
- Ensure systems are stable, reliable, and support statutory, safeguarding, and operational requirements
- Balance individual school needs with Trust-wide consistency and sustainability
- Act as the senior escalation point for system-related issues that impact school operations
Management Information Systems (MIS) Leadership
- Lead and coordinate MIS change, migration, and adoption
- Oversee data mapping, validation, and resolution of integrity issues
Project & Change Leadership
- Lead and support Trust-wide digital and operational change programmes
- Chair or contribute to project meetings across schools and central teams
- Supplier & Partnership Management
- Act as the Trust’s primary operational contact for digital system suppliers
- Log, track, and escalate high-impact issues and incidents
Financial & Operational Enablement
- Support finance teams with the investigation of system-related billing or usage queries
- Provide technical and operational insight into business cases
Senior Leadership & Advisory Role
- Provide clear, decision-ready advice to Executive and senior leaders
- Assess feasibility, risk, and operational impact of proposed changes
Operational Continuity & Resilience
- Respond calmly and decisively to urgent issues affecting schools
- Retain and apply institutional knowledge of historical decisions and constraints
Pay range: Scale L4-L8
Qualifications and Skills:
- Degree in IT, Education Technology, or related work career
- Leadership experience across IT
- Knowledge of Education platforms and systems (desirable)
- Relevant qualifications (Microsoft and/or project management are advantageous)
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For full details of the post, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Why The Mercian Trust?
As one Trust, we share a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education. When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national, and international community.
Put simply, our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for our students. We are particularly committed to students who are under-served and under-resourced. We prioritize those who have special educational needs and disabilities, or who are more likely to face discrimination for whatever reason.
It is this common purpose that fuels everything we do. We deliver impactful, sustainable, and ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in the very best and most inclusive schools.
We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). We adopt a pioneering spirit and look to lead the sector with innovative solutions to the problems our students and families face.
Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more: The Mercian Trust - Home
Benefits:
Financial, Health, and Lifestyle
- Discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red)
- A comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care)
- A cycle to work scheme via Halfords
- Access to the Blue Light Card
For further benefits, including education sector leading CPD: The Mercian Trust - What we can offer you
The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
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