Lead ICT Technician

Job Description
Job Title: Lead ICT Technician
Location:
Gateshead and Newcastle, UK
Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead ICT Technician to join our team, responsible for providing comprehensive technical support to multiple schools across Gateshead and Newcastle. The successful candidate will lead a team of technicians, ensuring the smooth operation of ICT infrastructure, systems, and services within educational environments. This role requires excellent technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and outstanding communication skills.
Technical Support:
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for hardware, software, and network issues across multiple schools.
Maintain ICT systems, including servers, networks, and peripherals, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Respond promptly to ICT-related issues and service requests, resolving them efficiently to minimize downtime.
Team Leadership:
Lead and supervise a team of ICT Technicians, assigning tasks, providing guidance, and fostering a collaborative working environment.
Conduct performance evaluations, identify training needs, and facilitate professional development opportunities for team members.
Ensure adherence to IT policies, procedures, and best practices, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Infrastructure Management:
Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of ICT infrastructure, including servers, switches, routers, and other networking equipment.
Manage software deployment and updates, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements and security protocols.
Implement backup and disaster recovery procedures to safeguard critical data and systems.
Project Management:
Lead ICT projects, such as system upgrades, network expansions, and technology implementations, from planning through to execution and evaluation.
Coordinate with school administrators, staff, and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery within established timelines and budget constraints.
Training and Documentation:
Develop and deliver training sessions for school staff on the use of ICT systems, applications, and tools.
Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including user guides, technical manuals, and system documentation, to support end-users and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Proven experience in a senior ICT support role, preferably within an educational setting.
Strong technical expertise in Windows and/or Linux environments, Active Directory, Office 365, networking protocols, and virtualization technologies.
Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
Exceptional problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
Project management experience, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines.
Additional Requirements:
Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle for travel between school locations.
Flexibility to work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
If you are passionate about technology and education, with a desire to make a positive impact in schools across Gateshead and Newcastle, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join our team and help empower the next generation through innovative ICT solutions.