Will_Townsend
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449 ExcellentAbout Will_Townsend

Personal Information
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Biography
I run a focussed recruitment agency, supplying ICT, Data and Finance staff to the wider education sector. As well as timetabling and various technological consultancy staffing solutions.
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Occupation
Recruitment Consultant
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Interests
Definitely Films, Music of most forms and generally entertaining!
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Location
Boughton Monchelsea
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Homepage
http://www.esp-recruit.co.uk
Employer (optional)
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Company Represented
Educational Support Professionals Ltd
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Do you have multi-site IT support experience but need a bigger role that will give you greater exposure to more IT systems in a smaller geographical area? Do you enjoy working with many different types of users but want to learn in a broader technical team and infrastructure? How about working with a well funded organisation, moving quickly to implement best of breed products with a clearly defined Digital Strategy, in a growing group of schools. If any of this rings true get in touch asap You will need to have 1st and some 2nd line technical ability in SOME of the below technologies/areas, but more importantly is being able to work with a range of technology users with kindness, efficiency and excellent communication. 365, Windows, Sharepoint, Intune, Defender, MacOS, Jamf, MDM, MFA, iSAMS, Papercut, Ruckus, Cisco, Wifi, AV, Surface Pro, 1:1, iPads, Digital and Cloud first, Safeguarding systems In return you will have the opportunity to get involved in a huge range of projects, be challenged, trained and allowed to take on specific areas of responsibility in networking, classroom technologies and various education specific systems.
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Education focussed IT company, with over 20 years in operation supporting schools and colleges across the UK is looking for an Education experienced ICT technician. The role is largely to support a MAT client in the greater Nottinghamshire region 3 days per week, with additional support of other schools and the companies’ offices in the west midlands on the other days, as well as the opportunity for some remote IT helpdesk support of the same at home. A car owner is essential for this IT technician role, with expenses when not in the main site. Largely a business-as-usual role, and very much client facing, this would suit someone with the confidence to work independently but with the remote support of an IT Operation Manager, account managers and other colleagues. You will have 1st and 2nd line IT support experience, primarily in windows server, devices, DNS, DHCP, 365, Azure, Entra etc. Knowledge of education specific software and process’ is also essential, whether that is from working directly in a school IT team or via another education focussed business. There could also be opportunities to progress within the business, including IT projects, and the benefits include 25 days holiday + bank + birthday off, health schemes, life assurance etc
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IT Operations Manager (Field based) Multi-site role across several Independent schools in the East Midlands & Anglia regions Up to £58,500 negotiable + strong benefits inc: Expensed travel from closest base site, Contributory pension scheme - employer contribution up to 18%. Life assurance. Free lunches in term time, Comprehensive training support including non-contributory apprenticeship programmes; training grants / loans available. Cycle to work scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Retail and lifestyle discounts. Staff discount on school fees Take ownership of IT across a modern, cloud-first environment Ready to step into a role where you can genuinely shape IT strategy, lead teams, and drive transformation? This is a standout opportunity for an experienced IT professional to take responsibility for IT operations across a group of well-resourced sites, delivering reliable, secure, and forward-thinking technology that directly supports end users. With support and development from Central Office. You’ll combine hands-on technical expertise with leadership and strategic input, making this ideal for someone looking to move beyond pure support into a broader operational leadership role. Why this role is different Multi-site influence – lead IT across a cluster, not just a single environment Cloud-first technology stack – heavily invested in Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 Real ownership – shape infrastructure, service delivery, and future roadmap for your schools within a bigger group. Leadership opportunity – mentor and develop on-site technical teams in each site. Continuous improvement focus – drive modernisation, not just BAU Purpose-driven environment – see the direct impact of your work every day The role You’ll be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of IT services across multiple sites, ensuring systems are robust, secure, and aligned with organisational needs. Key areas of impact: Service Delivery & Operations Oversee day-to-day IT operations, support services, and infrastructure performance Act as an escalation point for complex technical issues Ensure consistent, high-quality IT support across all locations Infrastructure & Cloud Technologies Manage and optimise Google Workspace environments (Admin Console, devices, security, data governance) Support and develop Microsoft 365, Azure/Entra ID, and hybrid infrastructure Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and future-ready Projects & Change Lead infrastructure upgrades, system implementations, and technology rollouts Drive standardisation and best practice across sites Contribute to IT strategy and long-term planning Security & Resilience Maintain strong cybersecurity practices and compliance Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning Governance & Quality Manage documentation, asset registers, and reporting Ensure adherence to IT service management (ITIL-aligned) processes Oversee third-party suppliers and service quality Leadership & Collaboration Lead and develop a distributed team of IT technicians Work closely with stakeholders to understand needs and deliver solutions Promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing across sites What you’ll bring Strong experience in IT operations, infrastructure, or service delivery Hands-on expertise with: Google Workspace (essential) Microsoft 365, Azure/Entra ID, Windows environments Experience leading or mentoring technical teams across multiple locations Solid understanding of ITIL-based service management Proven track record of delivering projects and driving improvements Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills Ready for your next step? If you’re looking for a role where you can develop your technical leadership, used your hands-on expertise, and see real impact, this is an excellent opportunity Probably Nottingham, Loughborough, Grantham would be best location but could be doable from South Sheffield to North Northampton.
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The Headlines: • £34,000 – £37,000 (dependent on experience) • Full-time, 40 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) • Free lunch during term time • 26 days holiday + bank holidays • 15% Contributory pension + life assurance • Access to on-site gym facilities • Cycle to Work scheme • Local free parking / close to underground network in Barnet / North Camden area • Ongoing CPD and training support The Opportunity An independent all through school is looking for a 2nd Line IT Technician to join a small, high-performing IT team supporting a 1200 end point modern, well-funded technical environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an IT Engineer who enjoys a broad, hands-on role across infrastructure, end-user support, and cloud services in a uniquely casual environment. Technology Environment You’ll have good experience in most of these technologies and the ability to pick up the other: • Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SCCM, CoPilot, MDM & Cloud AV • Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Windows server and Hyper V • Physical + virtual infrastructure • Firewall & safeguarding appliances The Role • Provide 1st & 2nd line support to staff and students • Support and maintain desktop, mobile, AV and print environments • Assist with server, network, and cloud platform support • Work with third-party providers on escalations and projects • Help deliver upgrades, installations, and deployments • Manage tickets, SLAs, and user requests in a structured helpdesk environment What We’re Looking For • 3+ years in a user-facing IT support role (education experience very beneficial) • Strong Windows OS, M365 and hardware troubleshooting skills • Working knowledge of networking fundamentals • Exposure to Mac/iOS and Windows Server (desirable) • Exceptional communication skills and a proactive mindset If you’re a technically curious support professional, looking to broaden your infrastructure and cloud exposure in a well-resourced environment, we’d love to hear from you.
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Large secondary school in South London region requires an experienced technician with strong 2nd line experience and excellent communication skills to join an existing team. You will have current 2nd line+ level understanding of much the Microsoft stack including Intune, Entra, 365 admin console, Office apps etc. It would also be useful to have a good understanding of network switch and AP technologies like Cisco, Aruba, Ruckus or other. Ideally you will have previous experience of working within schools and understand the priorities, onsite working and safeguarding! Parking onsite or overground rail nearby [email protected] 020 8559 2077
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We are seeking an experienced Information Systems Manager to own, lead, and evolve the core business systems landscape within Berkhamsted school, a multisite independent school environment all based in Berkhamsted town. This is a pivotal role, bridging IT, Data, Finance, HR, and Academic teams, ensuring business‑critical platforms are reliable, well‑governed, secure, and delivering real organisational insight. You will have end‑to‑end ownership of systems including iSAMS (MIS), iTrent (HR & Payroll) and Sage (Finance), working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive continuous improvement, automation, and high‑quality reporting. Why Berkhamsted School? This is a high‑impact role offering real ownership, autonomy, and the chance to modernise and improve how data and systems support education. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, influence strategy, and help shape the future of business systems across the school. Berkhamsted is a well developed, well funded and digitally progressive organisation with a substantial IT team as evidenced by their annual IT Conference. Always with a view to the future they facilitate excellent rounded education whilst building digital literacy and resilience. It was one of the first schools to implement 1-1 devices which has enabled digital learning across the school. In addition to a close knit team of IT professionals, you’ll receive excellent benefits including access to facilities, free lunches during term time, excellent pension and a host of other benefits. This is primarily an onsite role, easily accessible by car from M25 and M1, and mainline train stations from London or Midlands, however Hybrid may also be considered in time or for the right candidate. Key Responsibilities Business Systems Ownership Act as product owner for core platforms: iSAMS, iTrent and Sage, plus associated integrations and portals Plan and deliver upgrades, patches, and annual cycles (e.g. payroll year‑end, iSAMS rollovers, Sage updates) Ensure system availability, performance, licensing compliance and vendor SLA management Data, Reporting & Insights Lead the analytics roadmap using Power BI, delivering executive dashboards and governed datasets Maintain and evolve SQL‑based reporting (SSRS, SAP Business Objects) Champion data quality, ownership, and standards across student, staff and finance data Integrations & Security Own integrations between business systems and identity platforms (Entra ID / Azure AD), finance, HR and academic tools Ensure secure access models, SSO/MFA configuration, and least‑privilege principles Support audits, compliance requirements, and statutory returns Leadership & Collaboration Line manage Business Systems staff and embed strong service discipline Partner with Finance, HR, Data and Academic leadership to translate operational needs into system improvements Manage third‑party suppliers, consultants and implementation partners Continuous Improvement Identify and deliver automation and digital process improvements using low‑code tools (Power Platform) Lead small to medium‑scale projects with clear benefits, governance and change management What We’re Looking For Essential Experience Proven ownership of a school MIS (ideally iSAMS but will also consider Schoolbase, sims, arbor, bromcom etc) and related HR/Finance systems Strong working knowledge of SQL, reporting tools, and data models Experience delivering system upgrades, migrations and integrations with third‑party vendors Hands‑on capability with tools such as Power BI, PowerShell, T‑SQL, APIs, IIS and SharePoint Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly Desirable Experience in the education sector, ideally multisite Exposure to Power Platform, Dataverse, or Azure data services Familiarity with Agile, Kanban or ITIL ways of working Apply via www.esp-recruit.co.uk or contact me at [email protected] or 020 8559 2077
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Downe House School, one of the country’s leading all-girls day and boarding schools, is seeking an experienced Software Applications Specialist to join their forward-thinking Digital Delivery & Innovation team. This is a role which would suit someone more from a data management or pure 3rd party applications support role background rather than an IT engineer background due to its level of specialisation This role will focus on: Managing and supporting core cloud based applications across the School and leading software implementation and migration projects (Finance, Payroll, MIS, Admissions, CRM, HR, Academic systems, etc.) Working closely with departments to review, understand and support their data requirements. The School currently uses Furlong’s SchoolBase, but experience with any Education MIS (iSAMS, Veracross, SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom, etc.) is highly advantageous. Leveraging the School’s Microsoft Showcase status to deliver solutions using the Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power BI). Providing strategic input into application development and project management in collaboration with the Director of Digital. Your background in software applications, integrations, and project management will be well utilised here. While sector experience is highly beneficial, strong transferable experience from other complex environments will also be considered. This position plays a key role in improving the digital journey for Academic, Operational, and Parental stakeholders, ensuring systems are efficient, integrated, and fit for the future and is highly client facing An onsite role. The campus offers ample parking and is conveniently located near the M4 and A34. Benefits include: £50,000 salary 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and the Christmas period off Free lunches Access to the gym and swimming pool Fees remission Professional development opportunities Death in service cover Please get int ouch asap at: [email protected] www.esp-recruit.co.uk 020 8559 2077
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Leading independent school in Central London location is looking for a valued IT technician in their customer facing support function. Working from a collaborative IT helpdesk, and with a range of other technical colleagues, you will be providing mostly 1st and ideally some supported 2nd line calls, relatively quickly. The school has good IT and AV technology in place, and the ideal candidate will already have 1+years of experience supporting 365, hardware like Windows laptops and ipads, audio visual kit, printers and other networked devices. Experience with Intune and Jamf would be highly advantageous. You’ll be able to expand on your already developed customer service skills, whilst learning from colleagues and utilizing their in house and 3rd party training. Benefits for this IT Engineer role include: Starting salary of £30-35K Full-catered meals Continuous CPD Generous pension (up to 15% employer / 7.5% employee) 25 days plus discretionary Christmas break Access to school gym and other facilities Medical insurance Cycle to work or season ticket loans etc As part of a team of 3, this particular role includes 20 Saturday mornings to support Saturday classes. This means a corresponding day off during the week, so that hours are always 35hrs a week. This is an essential requirement of the role, as is being onsite and successful completion of their safeguarding procedures. Get in touch asap, interviews likely to be held w/b 23rd OR 30th March www.esp-recruit.co.uk 020 8559 2077 [email protected]
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Are you passionate about live events, cutting-edge AV technology, and creating unforgettable experiences? This is your chance to take ownership of technical delivery across multiple presentation spaces, from assembly halls to lecture theatres, in a dynamic and creative education environment. Why You’ll Love This Role: ✅ Competitive salary and generous pension contributions ✅ Free gym membership, onsite parking, and year-round perks ✅ Cycle-to-work scheme and interest-free tech loans ✅ Work on exciting events, productions, and live streams ✅ Opportunities to develop skills in videography, lighting, and sound What You’ll Be Doing: Operate and maintain Audio Visual systems for school assemblies, concerts, drama, and external events Film and edit high-quality video content for performances and promotional projects Support live streaming and webinars Assist with set builds (carpentry, scaffolding, scenic painting) Manage AV equipment upkeep and ensure smooth technical delivery Work on diverse projects including Founder’s Day outdoor stage and major productions Technical Skills We’re Looking For: Ability to read AV schematics and CAD plans Knowledge of audio and DMX signal flow, wireless frequencies, and interference management Experience with audio and lighting desks Skilled in mixing live events with multiple sources (mics, PowerPoint, playback, video) Proficiency in video editing and operating video switchers Understanding of DSP and live streaming setups Wiring, soldering, and risk assessment experience desirable Comfortable working at height and handling heavy equipment What We Value: Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for events Strong communication and digital literacy Team player with resilience and enthusiasm If you are interested please send you your details to [email protected] or register via the website www.esp-recruit.co.uk
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Ready to take your networking expertise to the next level? This is your chance to join a leading educational environment where your skills will make a real impact. You’ll be the go-to specialist for network infrastructure, security, and performance—working with cutting-edge technology and a collaborative team that values innovation. Why You’ll Love This Role: Competitive salary of £45-50K with a strong benefits package Generous pension contributions Free gym membership and onsite parking Cycle-to-work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and interest-free loans Opportunities for professional development and training What You’ll Be Doing: Managing and maintaining wired and wireless network infrastructure Configuring and monitoring enterprise firewalls like Palo Alto and other secure systems Acting as senior escalation point for complex network issues Collaborating with IT colleagues to deliver robust, secure systems Staying ahead of the curve with networking and cybersecurity trends What We’re Looking For: Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience/certifications (CCNA/CCNP) Proven experience managing enterprise networks and firewalls Knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Intune, Active Directory, and scripting (PowerShell) Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset Drop me a mail or message on [email protected] or go to my website and apply there! www.esp-recruit.co.uk
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Are you an education experienced Senior IT Support Engineer looking for your next challenge? We have an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking independent school where the IT team truly makes an impact. As the Senior IT Support Technician, you’ll be the go-to expert for escalated technical issues, supporting core systems and driving infrastructure improvements. You’ll work closely with the IT Lead and mentor junior technicians, helping to shape a secure, efficient, and user-friendly IT environment. This role is ideal for candidates currently working as IT Systems Support Analyst or IT Infrastructure & Support Specialist to at least a 2nd line level, and are ready to take the next step in their career. Role Details: • Location: On-site • Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week Key Responsibilities: • Lead the resolution of IT issues across servers, networks, and user devices (2nd to 3rd line) • Support and maintain Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Exchange, and virtual environments • Collaborate on network services including firewalls, wireless systems, and VPN support • Contribute to IT projects such as upgrades, migrations, and deployments • Create clear documentation and mentor 1st Line Technicians Your Experience: • Proven experience as a Technical Support Engineer in an education setting (2nd/3rd Line) • Strong knowledge of Microsoft technologies (Windows OS, Server, AD, M365, Azure AD) • Experience with MDM platforms (Intune, JAMF) • Excellent troubleshooting and communication skills I've only got until friday to submit app forms, so If you feel you have the required knowledge and experience and would like to apply for this role, then please send your CV or message me at [email protected] ASAP This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Manchester MSP recommendations please!
Will_Townsend replied to Will_Townsend's topic in General Chat
Thanks very much!
