Systems and Data Lead

The Systems and Data Lead coordinates the reliable, secure and effective operation of SOUL Church's core digital systems, data platforms and IT assets. The role provides specialist ownership of agreed systems, including configuration, user access, documentation, training and operational support.

Working under the direction of the General Manager, the postholder identifies operational risks, recommends systems and process improvements, and supports departments to use agreed platforms consistently. The General Manager retains departmental accountability, final budget authority and approval of significant systems, suppliers and governance decisions.

• Platform Administration:
  Configure, maintain and support agreed platforms, including Planning Center, , Google Workspace, online booking systems and other approved software.
• Access & Permissions:
  Administer role-based user access, permissions, starter and leaver changes, and periodic access reviews in line with approved processes.
• Training, Support & Documentation:
  Provide clear guidance, training and user documentation, coordinate routine support, and act as an escalation point for issues that require specialist investigation or external support.

• Data Compliance Support:
  Operate systems in line with applicable UK data protection requirements and SOUL's policies, maintaining appropriate records and escalating risks or suspected breaches promptly to the General Manager and relevant data protection lead.
• Systems Assessment:
  Evaluate proposed software and system changes for functionality, data protection, security, integration, cost and operational impact, and make evidence-based recommendations through the agreed approval process.
• Asset Coordination:
  Maintain an accurate register and lifecycle plan for church IT equipment, including laptops, desktops, printers and relevant networking hardware.
• Budget Monitoring:
  Monitor expenditure against the approved technology budget, maintain purchasing records, and prepare recommendations for replacement, renewal or investment without committing unapproved expenditure.
• Infrastructure & Supplier Coordination:
  Act as the operational point of contact for IT volunteers and approved suppliers, recording, prioritising and escalating hardware, network or infrastructure issues. Advanced network engineering expertise is not required, but effective diagnosis and escalation are essential.
• Cross-Department Partnership:
  Work with department and ministry leads to understand operational requirements, improve workflows and support consistent use of agreed systems.
• Operational Reporting:
  Provide regular updates to the General Manager on system performance, incidents, access risks, data quality, supplier issues, expenditure and recommended improvements.

• Experience:
  
  Demonstrable experience in systems administration, digital operations, IT support or data coordination, ideally within a church, charity or multi-department environment.
• Systems Knowledge:
  Good working knowledge of Planning Center or similar church management software, , Google Workspace and other cloud-based platforms.
• IT Literacy:
  Practical understanding of MacOS and Windows devices, printers, user accounts, asset records and basic infrastructure troubleshooting.
• Data Protection:
  Sound awareness of UK GDPR, confidentiality, access control and secure handling of personal and organisational data.
• Communication & Judgement:
  Able to explain technical processes clearly, document systems accurately, prioritise competing issues and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.

Working Environment:
This is a specialist Lead role within Operations. The postholder works independently within agreed authority, coordinates relevant volunteers and suppliers, and escalates strategic, financial, security and governance decisions to the General Manager.