Head of IT - Data & Applications

MLC Partners are proud to be working in exclusive partnership with a prestigious higher education institution in North London to appoint a Head of IT - Applications and Data. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of a forward-thinking IT function, driving digital transformation, systems integration, and data innovation.

About the Role

This newly designed position is both hands-on and strategic, ideal for someone looking to take ownership of enterprise applications, data platforms, and digital services across a complex and dynamic academic environment.

You’ll play a critical role in managing the institution’s data and insights functions, shaping the systems architecture, and ensuring robust, scalable and user-centric IT services. You’ll lead a small internal team while overseeing relationships with external technology providers to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and future-focused IT landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise enterprise applications and data platforms, minimising downtime and enhancing performance.
• Oversee data governance, business intelligence, and analytics across the organisation.
• Architect integrated systems aligned to business and academic priorities.
• Manage and support institutional applications, acting as a key escalation point.
• Ensure GDPR compliance and cybersecurity in all IT solutions.
• Champion innovation through automation, cloud technologies, and advanced analytics.
• Line manage and develop a specialist team, promoting a culture of service excellence.

About You

We are seeking a confident and collaborative IT leader who brings:

• A degree in IT, Data Science, Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience leading IT teams and driving digital transformation.
• Strong technical expertise in enterprise applications, integration, and data platforms.
• A sound understanding of GDPR, data protection, and IT governance.
• Strong experience with the full suite of Microsoft's SQL Server Business Intelligence (BI) platform (SSIS, SSRS and SSAS)
• Familiarity with cloud-based services (e.g., AWS, Azure), APIs, automation, and analytics tools like Power BI or Tableau.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Professional certifications such as TOGAF, ITIL, PRINCE2/Agile, or CDMP are advantageous.

What You’ll Get in Return

• 35 days annual leave + bank holidays + additional closure days.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions up to 14.8%.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Support for ongoing professional development and training.
• Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, interest-free season ticket loan.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and creative working culture

If this role is of interest, please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss further with Theo Diejomaoh (Associate Partner Digital, Data & Technology)