Director of Information Systems & Support

Lead Digital Transformation at the Heart of Higher Education

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Information Systems & Support (ISS) to shape and lead the digital and data strategy of one of the UK’s most vibrant and inclusive universities. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced IT executive with vision, strategic drive and a passion for innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Location: London (with flexible working options available)

Full-time | Permanent |35 hours per week

Salary: Competitive. From £121,494

Reports to: University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

You will lead a diverse, high-performing team of around 125 professionals, directing operational and capital budgets of up to £15M to deliver an integrated digital service across a multi-site institution. This includes spearheading generative AI integration, modernising technical architecture, and driving service excellence through strong governance, security and innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Champion a transformative university-wide digital and data strategy aligned with strategic goals in teaching, research and professional services.
• Provide strategic leadership for capital digital projects, advising senior leaders on investment, innovation and risk.
• Drive a culture of compliance, cybersecurity and information governance, embedding sector-leading practices across the institution.
• Lead and inspire a collaborative, customer-focused ISS function, ensuring responsive, inclusive, and innovative service delivery.
• Deliver robust budgetary and project management, ensuring value, transparency, and impactful technology investment.
• Build effective cross-University partnerships and represent the University externally at national and sector forums.
• Contribute actively to professional services leadership, promoting values-driven leadership, diversity, inclusion, and service excellence.

About You

You are a visionary, values-led leader with significant senior-level experience delivering digital services within large and complex organisations. With an excellent understanding of information governance, enterprise architecture, strategic investment and customer-led innovation, you can inspire change and deliver results.

• A track record of leading digital transformation and operational excellence in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Deep expertise in digital strategy, compliance, cyber security and infrastructure architecture.
• Proven experience in leading large teams and managing multi-million-pound budgets.
• Strong ability to influence senior leadership, navigate complexity, and lead organisational change.
• A commitment to inclusive leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• A relevant degree or equivalent experience, with management and/or professional IT qualifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP).

Experience in higher education or a similarly regulated sector is highly desirable, but not essential.

We Offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Generous leave and flexible working options
• A dynamic, values-led working environment
• Commitment to professional development and wellbeing

*We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a working environment that is inclusive, respectful and encourages everyone to thrive