Network Manager

We’re looking for a confident and experienced Network Manager to take the lead on IT and digital services at one of our education Managed Service sites in Winscombe, Somerset.

In this role, you’ll be the go‑to person for ensuring the school’s technology runs smoothly day‑to‑day, while also helping shape its longer‑term digital direction. You’ll work closely with school leaders and our Managed Service Provider, providing hands‑on technical support alongside clear leadership for the on‑site IT team.

If you enjoy combining practical problem‑solving with strategic thinking and want to make a real impact, this is a great opportunity to do just that.

Your responsibilities as a Network Manager will be:

• Be responsible for the day-to-day operation, support, and continuous improvement of the school’s IT systems and digital services.
• Manage and develop the on-site IT support team, providing clear direction, coaching, and performance management.
• Own service quality, availability, and user experience, ensuring incidents and problems are managed effectively and underlying issues are addressed.
• Act as the senior on-site escalation point for IT issues, service concerns, and incidents.
• Contribute to and deliver the school’s IT and digital strategy in collaboration with senior leadership, ensuring alignment with educational, safeguarding, and operational priorities.
• Work with the Head of IT Services to prepare, forecast, and manage IT budgets.
• Maintain oversight of the school’s infrastructure, cloud services, applications, and data, ensuring resilience, continuity, and security.
• Own cyber security controls, safeguarding-related technology measures, and data protection responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements for IT services.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and third-party service providers, ensuring value for money and service quality.
• Ensure appropriate documentation, asset records, and technical knowledge are maintained.

About you

• Proven experience leading or managing IT support services, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Management or supervisory experience within an IT environment.
• Experience of ITIL-based service management or structured service delivery frameworks.
• Experience of working within an education or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong practical experience with Microsoft 365, Azure, identity management, and modern device management.
• A methodical and professional approach to service delivery, planning, documentation, and risk management.
• The ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, building trust with staff and senior stakeholders.

Technical Knowledge:

• Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Windows Server 2019 and 2022, including hybrid environments
• Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Intune, and identity platforms
• Active Directory, Group Policy, and directory services
• Networking technologies including TCP/IP, VLANs, switching, routing, firewalls, VPNs, and WAN connectivity
• Wired and wireless enterprise networking environments
• Virtualisation and cloud platforms, including on-prem and Azure-based services
• Backup, recovery, and resilience technologies
• Virtual desktop and remote access technologies, including AVD or equivalent
• Educational MIS systems such as SIMS, Schoolbase, iSams, or similar platforms
• Classroom and audiovisual technologies, including interactive screens and presentation systems

About us

We’re Commercial – a purpose-driven, people-first organisation that’s on an exciting journey to reach a £100m annual turnover and beyond. But what really defines us isn’t just the numbers – it’s the people, the culture we’ve built, and the innovative spirit that drives us forward.

As Business Transformation Specialists, we combine original thinking with practical expertise to improve the everyday experiences and outcomes for our clients. Our areas of specialism include Managed IT, Smart Technologies, Digital Workspace, Interiors, Office Supplies, PPE, Facilities, and Workwear.

In August 2025, we proudly achieved Ecovadis Platinum status, placing us among the top 1% of companies assessed worldwide for sustainability.

We’re proud to be #commercialbynature – a team driven by values, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Our Benefits

We believe that people thrive when they feel truly valued and at Commercial, we make sure that happens every single day. When you join us, you’ll enjoy a desirable benefits package designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing, reward your hard work, and help you flourish in all areas of life. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A base salary between £37,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience
• A generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service
• An enhanced family leave package to support you and your growing family
• Life Assurance, offering peace of mind with cover equivalent to four times your salary
• Access to health & wellbeing support – including 24/7 GP access, physiotherapy, and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Free mortgage advice from leading broker Charles Cameron & Associates, available to you, your family, and friends
• Feel-good extras – including volunteering days, onsite parking at all four of our offices, free refreshments, an employee community platform to stay connected to like-minded colleagues, weekly company-wide Learning Days – a chance to share ideas, gain fresh insights, and explore a wide range of topics together, cycle-to-work and EV schemes, flexible working options, and much more!

Training and Development

At Commercial, we invest in our people, 86% of our Senior Managers and 80% of our Directors have been promoted within. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, your development journey is as unique as you are – and we’ll support you every step of the way by offering training and development opportunities for career growth.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Commercial, we believe our differences make us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – no matter your background, belief, identity, or way of life.

We’re proud to stand beside one another through life’s ups, downs, and everything in between. Our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives – including support around menopause, neurodiversity, mental health, and more – are just one of the ways we look out for each other and celebrate what makes us unique.

We hire people, not checklists. So even if you don’t tick every box in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. Your potential, passion and perspective might be exactly what we’re looking for!

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.

To learn more about who we are, our values, and how we protect your personal data during the recruitment process, please visit our website and review our Job Applicant Privacy Policy https://commercial.co.uk/careers.