About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Digital Services to lead a pivotal phase of digital transformation across our growing and ambitious multi-academy trust.

This is a strategic leadership role with the opportunity to build, shape and scale a high-quality digital service. You will lead the trust’s digital strategy, ensuring systems, infrastructure and cybersecurity are secure, reliable and aligned to educational priorities.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will play a key role in enabling outstanding teaching, learning and operational excellence through technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the trust-wide digital strategy

• Ensure secure, reliable and high-performing digital services

• Oversee cybersecurity, compliance and risk

• Lead and develop the trust’s IT and digital team

• Drive innovation and build a scalable digital service model

Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to build – not just maintain – a digital service.

There is clear ambition to grow this into a sustainable traded service, supporting schools beyond the trust and creating long-term value.

About You

We are looking for a credible, forward-thinking leader who can combine strategic vision with strong operational delivery. You will bring proven experience of leading IT and digital services at scale, with a strong understanding of infrastructure, systems and cybersecurity. You can translate strategy into delivery in complex environments, build and lead effective teams, and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders. Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to use technology to improve outcomes for children.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Shape digital services across a growing organisation

• Influence strategy at senior leadership level

• Deliver meaningful impact for schools, staff and pupils

• Create something with lasting value and reach beyond the trust

For further information, please have a look at our job pack here: Head of Digital Services

Please download a copy of our support staff application form and email your completed form to hr@riverscofe.co.uk by 9.00am on Tuesday14th April 2026. (Applications received after this date/time will not be accepted)

Please demonstrate in your personal statement how your career to date and the impact you have made has prepared you for this role. We would also like you to outline how you would develop and take this role forward if appointed.

Please do not submit a curriculum vitae as these will not be included in the shortlisting process. 

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by Friday 17th April, and interviews will be held on Friday 24th April.

We are pleased to offer prospective candidates the opportunity to have an informal conversation about the Head of Digital Services role with our CFOO.

These discussions are designed to give you the opportunity to learn more about the role, the trust and our strategic priorities.

If you would like to book and confirm an informal discussion via teams, please contact HR on HR@riverscofe.co.uk. We ask that you commit to one of the scheduled time slots wherever possible.

We will have time slots available:

• Friday 27th March between 9:00am – 3:00pm

• Monday 30th March between 10:00am – 1:00pm

• Tuesday 31st March between 1:00pm – 4:00pm

• Wednesday 1st April between 10:00am – 1:00pm

• Thursday 2nd April between 1:00pm – 4:00pm

If you are unable to make any of these dates/times and would still like to discuss the role further, please contact HR to see if an alternative time can be arranged.

Thank you for your interest in working with The Rivers C. of E. Academy Trust.