Digital Operations Lead

About us

At the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), we’re committed to high-quality, evidence-informed teacher education. We believe teaching is a fundamental societal good, a privilege and a responsibility—and we’re on a mission to improve teacher and leader development across the education system.

A key part of that mission is ensuring that our digital systems, data, and operational infrastructure effectively support colleagues, programmes, and research activity across the organisation.

About the role

From managing core digital platforms to enabling access to high-quality data and responding to information governance needs, digital operations play a critical role in delivering efficient, secure, and user-focused services. We are seeking a motivated and experienced Digital Operations Lead to oversee and continuously improve our digital operations.

Working at the intersection of systems, data, and user support, the postholder will lead helpdesk services, support and optimise digital systems, coordinate data and information governance queries, and ensure robust, reliable, and user-centred digital processes across NIoT.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

Online interviews will be held on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Corporate responsibilities

• Act at all times in line with NIoT’s values and professional standards
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, including data protection and information security
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role
• Take responsibility for own professional development

Key responsibilities

• Act as an escalation point for complex or high-priority digital issues
• Oversee the delivery of a responsive and effective digital helpdesk service
• Monitor performance across the digital team (e.g. response times, volumes) and implement improvements
• Lead day-to-day management and optimisation of Microsoft Dynamics
• Oversee data quality, user adoption, and system usage
• Support reporting, configuration, and issue resolution
• Liaise with external suppliers or technical teams where required
• Oversee data protection processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and integrity
• Support reporting and data analysis through spreadsheets and system outputs
• Promote best practice in use of digital across teams
• Coordinate responses to data protection and information governance queries
• Support Subject Access Requests (SARs) and related processes
• Work with the DPO to ensure compliance with GDPR and internal policies
• Oversee responses to internal and external information (“library”) queries
• Ensure effective organisation and accessibility of digital resources and documentation
• Identify and implement improvements to digital processes and user experience
• Develop and maintain documentation, guidance, and standards
• Provide guidance and informal leadership across digital operations activities

Essential criteria

• Experience working in a digital operations, systems, or data-focused role
• Experience overseeing or coordinating support services (e.g. helpdesk)
• Strong working knowledge of spreadsheets (e.g. Excel) and data handling
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics or similar)
• Understanding of data protection principles (GDPR)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Desirable criteria

• Experience in education, public sector, or not-for-profit environments
• Experience providing leadership or mentoring (formal or informal)
• Experience with reporting tools
• Experience working with external suppliers or system providers
• Knowledge of information governance processes

Working at the National Institute of Teaching

Contract: Permanent; full time

Salary:   £52,413 per-annum + benefits.

Key benefits available to all National Institute of Teaching staff:

• Generous annual leave – 27 days’ holiday a year (plus 8 bank holidays) rising to 33 days after five years’ service.
• Flexible working – we offer flexible start and end working times, with hybrid working in place for all roles.
• Pension - Entry to the local government pension scheme.
• Salary sacrifice schemes – we offer salary sacrifice schemes for bikes, cars and tech!
• Lifestyle benefits – We offer discounts on gyms, cinema, retail and much more!
• Parenthood leave – We offer above the statutory minimum for maternity, adoption and paternity leave.
• Working environment – We have a stimulating, supportive and rewarding working environment with a dedicated team of like-minded professionals.
• Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides confidential support for employees on personal or work-related matters.
• Development: We fully support the development of our staff and ensure that you have a high level of continuous professional development.

Further information

We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.

Notes:

• This post requires a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with a Children’s Barred List Check and Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment.
• This document is an overview of the role.
• The responsibilities will include but will not be limited to those listed above and it is anticipated that the role will evolve over time and as such the duties may change.

How to apply

Send your CV and covering letter to: [email protected]

Closing date: 5.00pm Monday 27 April 2026

Contact us: If you have any queries about this role, please email us at [email protected].