Head of Automation & Cyber Security

Head of Automation & Cyber Security

Location: Hybrid / Remote with occasional travel to offices and customer sites

Job Type: Full-time

About us

The Transforming Learning Group (TLG) provides a comprehensive range of ICT support, MIS services, GDPR solutions, consultancy and training to schools across the UK. Through our family of brands, including turn IT on, we help schools make the most of technology so they can focus on improving outcomes for pupils.

At turn IT on, we're proud of our supportive culture where people feel trusted, respected and empowered to make a difference. Our values of Care, Think Yes, Be Straightforward, Commit to Excellence, Deliver and One Team guide everything we do.

The role

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Automation & Cyber Security to lead the development of our specialist services capability across cyber security, monitoring, automation and AI-enabled operations.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will be responsible for building and leading a function that improves customer protection, enhances proactive service delivery and reduces repetitive manual work through automation. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role where you'll help shape the future of our operational services while ensuring robust governance, security and service quality.

You'll initially lead our Cyber Specialist, establish the foundations of our automation capability and support the growth of the team as Automation and NOC Engineers are recruited.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Group's cyber security, monitoring, automation and AI-enabled service functions.
• Define service standards, operating models, roadmaps and continuous improvement plans.
• Oversee cyber operations, incident management, vulnerability management and security monitoring.
• Establish and enhance proactive monitoring capabilities across customer and internal environments.
• Design and deliver automation and AI-driven services that improve ticket flow, service efficiency and customer outcomes.
• Work closely with Service Desk, Infrastructure, Projects and Operational teams to ensure effective service integration.
• Create governance frameworks covering automation, AI, monitoring and cyber security activities.
• Lead, coach and develop specialist technical teams.
• Measure and report on performance, service improvements, capacity gains and risk reduction.
• Contribute to strategic planning, technology decisions and specialist service development across the business.

About you

You'll be an experienced technical leader with a strong background in cyber security, infrastructure, automation or related specialist services. You'll be comfortable translating operational challenges into practical solutions and leading teams through change and growth.

Essential skills and experience

• Significant experience leading cyber, automation, infrastructure, NOC, platform engineering or similar technical functions.
• Strong people management and leadership experience.
• Excellent understanding of cyber security operations, vulnerability management and incident response.
• Experience with monitoring platforms, alert management and proactive service delivery.
• Knowledge of automation technologies, scripting, APIs and workflow orchestration.
• Understanding of AI-enabled service operations and governance principles.
• Strong IT service management knowledge, including ticketing, escalation and problem management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance customer needs, risk, security and operational efficiency.

Desirable

• Experience within an MSP, education technology or schools environment.
• Knowledge of Datto RMM, HaloPSA, n8n or similar platforms.
• Relevant industry certifications or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience establishing monitoring, automation, NOC or SOC capabilities.
• Understanding of safeguarding, data protection and security requirements within education.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing specialist services function and play a key role in transforming how technology is delivered across the Group. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategy, introduce innovative solutions and build capabilities that make a measurable difference to both customers and colleagues.

turn IT on is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Happy to talk flexible working.