I am Altaf Hazi, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of diverse experience spanning IT, education, and management. Throughout my career, I have been recognised for my exceptional ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with strategic leadership. After graduating from the University of Leeds, I began my career in retail management, where my innovative mindset and analytical approach quickly set me apart. As one of the youngest managers in the organisation, I faced the challenge of turning around a struggling store. Through my astute use of systems management, data analytics, and hands-on leadership, I spearheaded a transformation that saw the store rise to become one of the region’s top-performing outlets. This achievement not only showcased my problem-solving abilities but also my capacity to inspire and lead teams towards success.
After spending over a decade excelling in retail management, I made a decisive move into the education sector, where I further broadened my leadership portfolio. I took on dual roles, heading both the IT and Mathematics departments while serving as a Deputy Headteacher. My ability to blend technical expertise with educational strategy was instrumental in revolutionising the way the IT curriculum was delivered. Under my leadership, the IT department adopted innovative teaching methods that were not only highly engaging but also aligned with the evolving digital landscape. This earned me national recognition from the OCR exam board, where I was invited to serve as an invigilator. In this role, I oversaw the consistency and quality of GCSE coursework marking across multiple schools in Northern England, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and adherence to the highest standards of academic integrity.
In addition to my work in schools, I have held key leadership roles outside the traditional education sector. As the Head of IT for a prominent legal training firm, I was responsible for overseeing the company’s IT infrastructure and financial systems, driving critical improvements that supported the firm’s growth and operational scalability. My expertise in systems optimisation allowed me to implement solutions that enhanced efficiency, streamlined processes, and improved the overall user experience. This experience was a testament to my ability to apply my technical knowledge in diverse settings, ensuring that IT solutions were tailored to meet the specific needs of each organisation while maintaining a strong focus on growth and sustainability.
In my current position as Director of IT and Finance at Educating Excellence, I continue to lead with innovation, using my deep knowledge of both education and technology to design and implement comprehensive systems and processes that enhance the operational effectiveness of educational institutions. I have been instrumental in developing bespoke IT solutions that support teachers and school leaders, enabling them to maximise their impact in the classroom. These systems are designed not just to improve day-to-day functions but to empower educators with the tools they need to track student progress, manage resources, and make data-informed decisions that ultimately improve student outcomes.
My strategic oversight of finance systems ensures that educational institutions operate with financial transparency and sustainability. My dual expertise in both IT and finance positions me uniquely to drive cost-efficient innovations that benefit schools and educational bodies alike. From designing resource management tools to implementing finance tracking systems, my work has enabled schools to operate more smoothly, ensuring that budgets are utilised effectively to support teaching and learning.
My dedication to education goes beyond IT systems and finance. I strive to drive technological innovation in schools, making a lasting impact on how educators teach and how students learn. I continue to lead by example, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence within the institutions I serve. My goal is to ensure that educational establishments are well-equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century, making me an invaluable asset in both the education and technology sectors.
