IT Systems and Network Analyst - Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Role Overview

IT Systems and Network Analyst at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, part of Aldar Education, located in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Company Overview

Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child-centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. The organisation educates over 38,000 students across its group of owned and managed schools. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is situated on a seven-hectare bespoke campus at the entrance to Saadiyat's emerging Cultural District, within minutes of New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Berklee College of Music. The school offers a broad academic curriculum alongside opportunities in fine arts, performing arts, music, sport, gymnastics, golf, horse riding, and debating.

Role Purpose

To manage, monitor, and maintain all core school technology systems while providing technical expertise in business systems, data analytics, and reporting. The role ensures high levels of system performance, reliability, availability, and security, and supports operational, financial, academic, and people-related decision-making across the school through effective use of data and reporting solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Management and Support

• Manage, monitor, and maintain all core school technology systems, ensuring high levels of performance, reliability, availability, and security.
• Act as the lead point of contact for school-based business systems, providing technical expertise, troubleshooting support, and continuous system improvement.
• Support the administration, configuration, and optimisation of key school systems, including Management Information Systems (MIS), HR systems, finance platforms, learning technologies, and cloud-based applications.
• Monitor system performance and usage trends, making recommendations for improvements, enhancements, and future technology investments.
• Provide technical support and guidance to staff on business-critical systems, reporting tools, Microsoft 365 applications, and digital solutions.

Data Analytics and Reporting

• Develop, maintain, and enhance dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support operational, financial, academic, and people-related decision-making across the school.
• Extract, validate, cleanse, analyse, and interpret data from multiple platforms to ensure accurate and meaningful reporting.
• Produce regular and ad hoc reports for school leadership, regional teams, and corporate stakeholders, ensuring information is delivered accurately and within agreed timelines.
• Monitor data quality across all school systems, proactively identifying inconsistencies, errors, or gaps and implementing corrective actions to maintain data integrity.
• Contribute to the development of data-driven decision-making practices across the school through the effective use of analytics, reporting, and business intelligence tools.

Process Improvement and Automation

• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve operational efficiency through technology solutions, workflows, and reporting enhancements.
• Support system integrations between school applications and corporate platforms, ensuring data flows accurately and efficiently between systems.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation relating to systems, reporting processes, data structures, integrations, and operational procedures.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Work closely with school leadership and departmental stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into practical system and reporting solutions.
• Collaborate with Group IT, school leadership teams, and external vendors to resolve complex technical issues and deliver continuous improvements to technology services.
• Ensure agreed service levels and performance standards are achieved through proactive monitoring, issue resolution, and stakeholder engagement.

Project Support and Technology Management

• Assist with technology projects, system implementations, upgrades, migrations, and testing activities, ensuring minimal disruption to school operations.
• Manage and maintain inventories of technology assets, software licences, and related equipment, ensuring accurate records and compliance with licensing requirements.

Governance and Compliance

• Support compliance with data protection, cybersecurity, and information governance requirements, ensuring school systems adhere to organisational policies and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, or a related field.

Experience

• 4-6 years' experience in IT systems administration, business intelligence, data analytics, reporting, or educational technology environments.
• Experience working with enterprise systems, databases, and reporting tools.
• Previous experience within education or a multi-site organisation is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and dashboard development.
• Experience with Power BI, Microsoft Excel (advanced), SQL, and Microsoft Power Platform tools.
• Understanding of database structures, data modelling, and data governance principles.
• Experience working with cloud-based systems, Microsoft 365, and Azure environments.
• Knowledge of system integrations, APIs, and data migration processes.
• Understanding of information security, GDPR/data protection principles, and best practice data management.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret complex data and present findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package that reflects the professionalism of staff and the value placed on them. The organisation places special emphasis on professional development, coaching, and training for both students and staff.

Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages UAE Nationals in their applications.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.