Director of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change) at The Mercian Trust - Digital & IT

  • We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
  • Walsall, Staffordshire
  • 04/08/2026
Full time Information Technology Telecommunications

Job Description

About this Role

JobTitle: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 togetherIT, Communications & Marketing, Data Science, and User Experienceinto a single service dedicated to enabling exceptional outcomes for our schools. Drawing onexpertiseacross technology, data, communications, service design and digital innovation, the team works collaboratively with school leaders,educatorsand 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,pupilsand families. By combining thisexpertisewith 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, continuousimprovementand sustainable organisational growth.

INCREASINGOPPORTUNITIES,IMPROVINGOUTCOMES

As one Trust weshare a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through thevery bestequitableeducation. When we get this right, itenables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local,nationaland 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 prioritise 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 deliverimpactful,sustainableand ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in thevery bestand most inclusive schools.

We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). Weadopta pioneering spirit and look to lead thesector 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 aDirector of Information Systems (Systems, Operations & Change)to joinThe 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 escrow high impact issues and incidents
Financial & Operational Enablement
  • Support finance teams with 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 system (desirable)
  • Relevant qualifications (Mircosoft and or project management are advantageous)

For full details of the post please see attached Job Description and Person Specification

Why The Mercian Trust?

As one Trust weshare a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through thevery bestequitableeducation. When we get this right, itenables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local,nationaland 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 prioritise 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 deliverimpactful,sustainableand ethical continuous school improvement in our schools to ensure the children and young people in the communities we serve learn in thevery bestand most inclusive schools.

We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve (which are the education investment areas of the West Midlands). Weadopta pioneering spirit and look to lead thesector 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 Trustis 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 Trustis also committed to promoting equality, challengingdiscriminationand developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.