IT Operations Engineer

Abbey DLD Group of Colleges

The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges (ADCL) consists of three independent sixth form colleges located in Cambridge, London, and Manchester, offering a wide range of academic study programmes.

Each college has its own unique personality, but they are united by a set of common goals. At Abbey DLD we strive to achieve the highest academic standards whilst providing a welcoming, safe, high-quality learning and boarding experience for students from around the world. Our aim is to help our students achieve the academic success needed to progress to the UK and the world’s top universities, whilst also developing the personal skills and qualities to succeed at university and beyond.

We offer a range of programmes including GCSEs, A Levels, Foundation and BTEC courses to both domestic and international students. Full details can be found on the Abbey DLD website http://www.abbeycolleges.co.uk/. 

Abbey College Manchester

Abbey College Manchester was founded in 1990 and over the past thirty plus has become one of the leading providers of independent sixth form education in Greater Manchester. There are normally about 200-220 students in the college. Within this around 30% are from the Manchester area with the remainder coming from 40 different countries across Europe; Africa; Asia and the Americas.

We are a dynamic, exciting college, situated in the heart of Manchester providing high quality, flexible A Level, International Foundation and GCSE programmes. We have recently introduced two unique programmes to complement our offering; these being the Combined Studies Programme and the Academic Studies with Football, Tennis or Cycling Training Programme. Our modern building provides an environment conducive to study and in our small classes each student can develop their individual aptitudes aided by a strong system of tutorial guidance.

Overview of the role

Reporting to the Group Head of IT, you will be the key point of contact for technical support within the college, managing and resolving IT issues efficiently. Responsibilities include troubleshooting hardware and software problems, maintaining the IT asset register, assisting with system installations, and supporting the implementation of IT strategies. This hands-on role requires strong technical skills, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving to ensure that staff and students have reliable and secure access to IT resources.

 Key responsibilities

• Provide technical advice in support of the resolution of IT incidents.
• Work with the Service Desk to ensure escalated IT issues are resolved within their SLA.
• Work with the Group IT Team in implementing IT systems.
• Document the setup and configuration of all IT systems bespoke to the college.
• Manage IT incidents in a structured way using the Service Desk tool.
• Manage IT problems to resolution.
• Ensure IT changes are managed in a structured way and documented.
• Advise on system enhancements and make recommendations for improvements or replacements.
• Support the deployment of college systems as required.
• Provide advice and guidance on the use of IT systems to staff and students.
• Ensure IT documentation and asset lists are kept up to date.
• Assist in the design, implementation and management of a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan.
• Assist in the selection and acquisition of computer hardware, software and third-party application packages.
• Ensure ADCL policies are adhered to, with a focus on IT and data security.
• Ensure local college policies and procedures are in place to maintain fully operational, robust and secure ICT systems.
• Work flexibly as required in support of the duties of the role.

Skills Required

 Technical Skills

• Strong technical skills, specifically in the use of:
• M365
• Windows 10 / 11
• Windows Server 2016 and above administration
• Active Directory, DNS, DHCP and Group Policy
• Entra ID
• Identity and access management and synchronization with on-premises AD.
• Intune Device Management
• Configuration profiles and App distribution.
• Networking
• LAN/WAN troubleshooting, VLAN configuration and Wi-Fi management

Soft Skills

• Strong educational focus.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent communicator.
• Customer focused.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Analysis skills.
• Strong verbal reasoning ability.
• Technologically agile.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of compliance requirements for colleges (GDPR, safeguarding, etc.).
• Experience with hybrid learning solutions and tools like Microsoft Teams for Education.
• Familiarity with other MDMs or educational-specific platforms (e.g., SIMS or Arbor).
• Understanding of IT procurement and budgeting processes.

Experience Required

• A strong technical understanding of IT systems.
• Proven experience of server and network infrastructure support.
• Experience of diagnosing and resolving technical errors.
• Experience of providing advice and guidance to users in their use of IT equipment.
• Experience of implementing IT system changes.
• Experience in the education sector would be beneficial but is not essential.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and Abbey DLD Group of Colleges. 

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time staff), plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Group Personal Pension Plan (7% employer contribution)
• Discounted school fees
• Regular social events
• Season Ticket Loans
• Eye Care
• Gym Scheme
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Cycle To Work Scheme

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as an employee of ADC you will be expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, individuals are supported regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. You will provide a service which ensures equality of opportunity promoting and demonstrating the principles of equal opportunity, including encouraging diversity and tackling discrimination and sensitivity to the environment.

How to Apply

Please submit an application through TES. You will be required to attach a covering statement detailing why you believe you have the necessary skills to be successful in this position.