Head of IT
Department: Information Technology
Reporting to: CEO/ COO
Location: Manchester / UKMC & Unibridge Group locations
Employment Type: Full-time
Proposed Start Date: ASAP
Working Pattern: 9am to 5pm / Monday to Friday
About UKMC and Unibridge Group
UK Management College (UKMC) and the wider Unibridge Group are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience supported by effective, reliable, secure and innovative technology.
The Head of IT will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Group's IT function, ensuring that technology infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity, IT service delivery, digital transformation and technology-enabled innovation meet the current and future needs of the organisation.
The successful candidate will lead the IT team, manage the ITR Manager and IT Support Technicians, and work closely with the Group CEO, CEO UKMC, COO, Executive Leadership Team and other departments to ensure that IT is aligned with organisational priorities and supports the continued growth and development of UKMC and Unibridge Group.
The Role
The Head of IT will be responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of the IT function across UKMC and Unibridge Group.
The role combines strategic IT leadership, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, IT service management, systems development, AI automation, digital transformation, vendor management, staff technology training and team leadership.
The postholder will establish and maintain a robust, secure and user-focused IT environment, ensuring that staff and students have access to the technology, systems and support required to operate effectively.
The Head of IT will also provide expert advice to the Group CEO, CEO UKMC, COO, Executive Leadership Team and senior management on IT strategy, technology investment, cybersecurity, AI adoption, digital transformation, risk and business continuity.
Key Responsibilities
IT Strategy and Leadership
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Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the strategic objectives of UKMC and Unibridge Group.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Group CEO, CEO UKMC, COO and senior leadership team on technology, infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation.
- Develop and maintain an IT roadmap covering infrastructure, systems, applications, cybersecurity, automation, AI and future technology requirements.
- Identify opportunities for technology to improve operational efficiency, staff productivity and the student experience.
- Lead the development of IT policies, procedures, standards and governance frameworks.
- Ensure that IT services are scalable and capable of supporting organisational growth.
- Establish appropriate IT performance indicators and regularly report on performance, risks and service improvements.
- Identify emerging technologies and assess their potential value to UKMC and Unibridge Group.
IT Team Management
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Provide effective leadership and management of the IT department.
- Directly manage and support the ITR Manager and all IT Support Technicians.
- Define clear responsibilities, objectives and performance expectations for the IT team.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and development discussions.
- Identify training and professional development requirements within the IT team.
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels and resource allocation across IT services.
- Promote a proactive, customer-focused and professional IT service culture.
- Manage workload, priorities and escalation processes across the IT function.
Staff IT Training and Cybersecurity Awareness
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Develop and implement an organisation-wide IT training and awareness programme for staff.
- Ensure staff receive appropriate training when new IT systems, software, platforms or processes are introduced.
- Develop regular cybersecurity awareness training covering areas such as phishing, password security, multi-factor authentication, social engineering, data protection and safe use of technology.
- Conduct or coordinate regular cybersecurity awareness campaigns and simulated phishing exercises where appropriate.
- Ensure staff understand their responsibilities for protecting organisational, staff and student information.
- Monitor staff participation in mandatory IT and cybersecurity training and report completion levels to senior management.
- Develop guidance and training materials to support staff in using IT systems securely and effectively.
- Promote a culture of security awareness, responsible technology use and continuous learning across the organisation.
IT Infrastructure and Systems
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Oversee the organisation's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, endpoints, hardware, software and cloud services.
- Ensure systems are reliable, secure, appropriately maintained and fit for purpose.
- Oversee the installation, configuration, maintenance and replacement of IT hardware and software.
- Ensure appropriate monitoring of infrastructure and systems performance.
- Develop and maintain effective backup, disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements.
- Oversee IT asset management and lifecycle planning.
- Ensure IT systems are appropriately documented and maintained.
- Review and improve infrastructure to support multiple campuses, offices and operational locations.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
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Lead the organisation's cybersecurity strategy and ensure appropriate security controls are implemented.
- Identify, assess and manage IT security risks and vulnerabilities.
- Ensure appropriate protection of organisational, staff and student information.
- Establish and maintain cybersecurity policies, procedures and controls.
- Oversee security monitoring, access controls, endpoint protection, authentication and other relevant security measures.
- Ensure appropriate response procedures are in place for cybersecurity incidents.
- Lead or coordinate investigations into significant IT security incidents.
- Promote cybersecurity awareness and good security practices across the organisation.
- Ensure IT practices support applicable data protection and information security requirements.
- Work with HR and senior management to ensure cybersecurity training and awareness requirements are incorporated into staff development and onboarding processes.
IT Service Management
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Ensure the IT department provides an efficient, responsive and professional service to staff and students.
- Establish appropriate service standards, escalation procedures and response times.
- Monitor IT support performance, service levels and recurring issues.
- Identify opportunities to reduce recurring incidents and improve first-time resolution.
- Ensure appropriate ticketing and IT service management processes are followed.
- Develop a proactive approach to preventative maintenance and service improvement.
- Ensure major IT incidents are appropriately managed, communicated and escalated.
AI, Automation and Digital Transformation
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Develop and implement an AI and automation strategy aligned with the wider business and IT strategy.
- Identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
- Assess business processes that could benefit from workflow automation, AI-enabled tools or system integration.
- Lead the evaluation, implementation and governance of appropriate AI technologies across UKMC and Unibridge Group.
- Establish appropriate controls for the responsible and secure use of AI, including data protection, access controls, confidentiality and information security.
- Work with departments across the organisation to identify practical opportunities for AI adoption and process automation.
- Support staff in understanding how AI and automation can be used effectively and responsibly within their roles.
- Develop guidance, training and awareness initiatives to support appropriate use of AI technologies.
- Monitor developments in AI and emerging technologies and advise senior management on opportunities, risks and potential investment.
- Lead technology-enabled transformation programmes designed to improve organisational processes, reduce manual administration and enhance the user experience.
- Ensure AI and automation projects are appropriately tested, documented and supported by change management and staff training.
- Measure the impact and benefits of AI, automation and digital transformation initiatives.
Systems and Digital Transformation
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Evaluate existing systems and identify opportunities for improvement and automation.
- Lead or support the implementation of new technology platforms and IT systems.
- Ensure technology projects are appropriately planned, resourced and delivered.
- Work with internal stakeholders to understand business and operational requirements.
- Assess the impact of new technologies on existing systems and processes.
- Support digital transformation initiatives across UKMC and Unibridge Group.
- Ensure appropriate testing, documentation, training and change management when introducing new systems.
IT Projects
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Lead and oversee major IT projects from initial requirements through to implementation.
- Develop project plans, budgets, timelines and resource requirements.
- Coordinate internal teams, external suppliers and stakeholders.
- Monitor project progress, risks, dependencies and budgets.
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality, time and cost requirements.
- Conduct post-implementation reviews and identify lessons learned.
Supplier and Vendor Management
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Manage relationships with external IT suppliers, technology partners and service providers.
- Review supplier performance and ensure agreed service levels are achieved.
- Negotiate and manage IT contracts, licences and service agreements where appropriate.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations for IT equipment, services and technology solutions.
- Ensure value for money across IT expenditure.
- Maintain an accurate record of IT contracts, licences and renewal dates.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
IT Budget and Financial Management
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Develop and manage the annual IT budget in conjunction with senior management and Finance.
- Monitor IT expenditure and ensure spending remains within approved budgets.
- Develop business cases for significant technology investments.
- Ensure appropriate procurement processes are followed.
- Identify opportunities to improve value for money and reduce unnecessary IT costs.
- Plan for future capital expenditure, infrastructure replacement and technology investment.
Governance, Compliance and Risk
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Ensure IT policies and procedures are documented, implemented and regularly reviewed.
- Maintain appropriate IT risk registers and mitigation plans.
- Ensure appropriate controls are in place for user access, permissions and account management.
- Support compliance with applicable data protection, information security and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain appropriate records and documentation relating to IT systems and infrastructure.
- Work with HR, Compliance and senior management on IT-related organisational policies and risks.
- Ensure appropriate processes are in place for staff joining, changing roles and leaving the organisation.
- Establish appropriate governance for the use of AI, automation and emerging technologies.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
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Develop, maintain and regularly test IT disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
- Ensure critical systems have appropriate backup and recovery arrangements.
- Identify critical IT dependencies and potential points of failure.
- Coordinate IT responses to major outages, incidents and emergencies.
- Ensure lessons learned from significant incidents are incorporated into future improvements.
Stakeholder Management
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Work closely with senior management, HR, Finance, Academic, Student Services, Marketing and other departments.
- Act as the senior point of escalation for significant IT issues.
- Communicate technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Develop strong relationships with internal users and understand their technology requirements.
- Ensure IT decisions consider organisational, operational, financial and user requirements.
- Work collaboratively with departmental leaders to identify opportunities for technology, AI and automation to improve services.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
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Significant experience working in a senior IT management or IT leadership position.
- Proven experience managing an IT support function and technical teams.
- Experience managing IT infrastructure across multiple locations or sites.
- Experience managing IT projects and technology implementations.
- Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networks, systems and cloud technologies.
- Experience with cybersecurity, information security and IT risk management.
- Experience managing external IT suppliers and technology partners.
- Experience managing IT budgets and technology expenditure.
- Experience developing and implementing IT strategies and policies.
- Demonstrable experience of managing, developing and motivating IT professionals.
- Experience developing or delivering staff IT training and cybersecurity awareness programmes.
- Experience identifying opportunities for AI adoption, automation or digital transformation.
- Experience implementing technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and business processes.
Desirable Experience
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Experience working within the education sector, higher education or a multi-site organisation.
- Experience supporting Microsoft 365 environments and cloud-based technologies.
- Experience with IT service management frameworks such as ITIL.
- Experience with cybersecurity frameworks and industry best practice.
- Experience implementing or managing enterprise systems and SaaS platforms.
- Experience leading digital transformation programmes.
- Experience managing IT services across multiple campuses or geographically dispersed locations.
- Experience developing organisational AI policies, governance frameworks or responsible AI practices.
- Experience implementing workflow automation and AI-enabled business solutions.
Knowledge and Technical Skills
The successful candidate should have strong knowledge of:
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IT infrastructure and networking.
- Microsoft 365 and cloud technologies.
- Cybersecurity and information security.
- Endpoint management and device security.
- Server and network administration.
- Backup and disaster recovery.
- IT service management.
- IT asset and licence management.
- Systems integration and implementation.
- IT governance and risk management.
- Data protection and information security principles.
- AI technologies, automation and emerging technology.
- AI governance, responsible AI use and technology risk.
- Technology procurement and vendor management.
- IT project management.
- Digital transformation and process improvement.
Leadership and Management Competencies
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Strategic thinking and the ability to translate organisational objectives into an effective IT strategy.
- Strong people management and leadership skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical ability.
- Strong decision-making skills.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands and manage multiple projects.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of IT budgets and value for money.
- Ability to manage complex technical issues and communicate solutions clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to critical incidents.
- Proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities.
- Ability to lead organisational change and digital transformation.
- Ability to communicate the benefits, limitations and risks associated with AI and automation.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
Qualifications
Essential
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Degree-level qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Relevant senior IT management experience.
Desirable
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ITIL certification.
- Cybersecurity or information security qualification.
- Microsoft or other relevant technology certifications.
- Project management qualification such as PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent.
- Leadership or management qualification.
- Relevant AI, automation or digital transformation qualification or certification.
Key Performance Indicators
Performance in the role will be assessed against agreed objectives, including:
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IT service availability and reliability.
- IT support response and resolution performance.
- User satisfaction with IT services.
- Cybersecurity and information security performance.
- Staff completion and effectiveness of IT and cybersecurity awareness training.
- Reduction in cybersecurity awareness-related risks and incidents.
- Successful delivery of IT projects.
- Successful implementation of AI and automation initiatives.
- Measurable efficiency and productivity improvements resulting from automation and AI.
- IT budget management and cost efficiency.
- Infrastructure reliability and lifecycle management.
- Effectiveness of disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements.
- Staff development and performance within the IT department.
- Compliance with IT policies, procedures and governance requirements.
- Effective governance and responsible adoption of AI technologies.
- Continuous improvement and digital transformation initiatives.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
UK Management College and Unibridge Group are committed to creating an inclusive working environment and are dedicated to equality of opportunity.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience. Recruitment and selection decisions will be based on qualifications, skills, experience and suitability for the role.
Right to Work
Applicants must have right to work in the UK.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the official UKMC careers page.
Applications or CVs submitted through alternative routes may not be considered and candidates may be asked to apply through the official recruitment process.
Please visit https://ukmc.ac.uk for more information
