Heat of IT

Head of IT

Department: Information Technology

Reporting to: CEO/ COO

Direct Reports: IT Manager and IT Support Technicians

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 . click apply for full job details