Learning Technologies Systems Manager - ESF Centre

The English School Foundation (ESF) is hiring a Learning Technologies Systems (LTS) Manager to lead key projects which form part of an ambitious digital modernisation agenda. This person is also the key link between the LTS Team of designers and coders and schools.

The Learning Management Systems Project (LMS Project) is one of the key projects currently underway and would require coordinating with other ESF leaders and an external Lead Consultant. This project is seeking to upgrade or replace our current Virtual Learning Enviroment (VLE), likely with externally developed software. A key role of the LTS Manager is to maintain the existing VLE throughout the duration of this project, which includes Moodle technologies and an app supporting both iOS and Android devices, as well as be involved in planning for the eventual changeover to a new system. 

In addition, a separate project is underway to update the PHP code and Moodle language that underpins the current VLE. The current VLE will need to be maintained in parallel as an external IT company performs this language upgrade. Staff, students and parents interact with the VLE through a number of avenues, namely the web or the ESF app.

The LTS Manager will be the key leadership interface between ESF leaders at the corporate and school level and the LTS design/coding team. This role is instrumental in helping craft the long-run strategic vision and development of the new LMS system and app.

This role requires a technologically savvy leader who welcomes both education and computer engineering tasks. The individual needs to be proficient in project management, organised, and efficient in working with application security. As the nature of this role will evolve over time, the individual will be a creative and adaptable problem-solver.

This role will report directly to the Head of Education, Curriculum and Learning. You will be joining a highly collaborative team, where you will bring your knowledge and expertise in application architecture in an educational context and the newest technologies will be highly appreciated.

Critical Technological Skills Required in an Education Environment

• Experience with Project Management and planning for system-wide change
• Experience with integration of different application systems; familiarity with Maze and Moodle is an advantage
• Understanding of best practices in application security
• Experience with technological frameworks that handle all aspects of the learning process
• Oversee the team responsible for building, testing, and refining web-applications, iOS/Android operating systems that are consistent with the goals and standards of a quality education system

Main Accountabilities

• Collaborate with school and ESF leaders in the design, architecture and development of innovative education projects that are supported by technology to meet the expectations of internal customers 
• Work with the existing development team to maintain the VLE toolkit with React JS for modern single-page app web pages
• Oversee, develop and, as appropriate, support the delivery of training and upskilling of staff across the organisation
• Extend the existing development team skill base with React JS
• Handling of the view layer for web pages across all platforms
• Create reusable UI (user interface) components
• Conduct unit testing to guarantee the quality of the projects
• Maintain technical documentation, adhere to guidelines, and guide the team in enforcing best programming practices and ensure compliance with the project execution standards
• Manage relational databases and perform various operations on the data with SQL
• Lead software development projects using a scrum framework
• Identifying needed decisions and driving the decision-making process for any software development to ensure the best performance and user experience of the application
• Manage project communications to all stakeholders

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have or be:

• A self-starter who feels comfortable working in a dynamic team environment and positively contributes to the future of the next generation
• Dynamic, reliable, proactive, and highly motivated individual with a Project Manager mindset
• Degree in an IT-related field or equivalent work experience
• Considerable experience working within a larger organisation, with a minimum of five years in a visible project leadership role and in managing a team responsible for Web-Application and iOS/Android Application development
• Well-developed leadership and communication skills
• Intellectual curiosity combined with outstanding analytical skills and problem-solving attitude
• Demonstrated ability to function independently in a high visibility position, with a deadline and resource constraints
• Knowledge of technical and business processes and related tools, software, and specifications to deliver technical projects, and lead Project Deployment, Project Release Management & Post Production support
• Technical understanding of PHP programming is an advantage
• Potentially experienced in the education field is not necessary but is an advantage
• Integration experience using web services (SOAP, Restful, etc.) will be an advantage

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.

ABOUT US

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.

ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. In 2020, 22 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.

www.esf.edu.hk

ABOUT THE TEAM

The curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate, is adapted to Hong Kong, and the Asia Pacific region. ESF’s 1,100 teachers are highly qualified bringing with them experience from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the UK and many other international school systems. All schools offer a broad range of out-of-school activities in Hong Kong and overseas.