At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital systems and delivery for higher education, ensuring effective integration and operational efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on cultural engagement and educational development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, volunteering days, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Work from London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in digital transformation within the education sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital delivery and systems integration across multi-stakeholder environments.
The predicted salary is between 55699 - 68649 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role: We have a vacancy for a Head of Higher Education in Development, on an indefinite basis. The role leads an embedded and connected digital enabling function operating across the ISM programme and pathway structure. The function provides specialist programme-wide capability supporting systems integration, operational coordination, digitally enabled delivery and insight-informed working across the role works in close partnership with the SRO and programme pathway leads, as well as the management and delivery function to support integrated planning, operational coordination and delivery effectiveness across the programme lifecycle. The role also works closely with the organisation’s Digital and Technology (D&T) function, alongside enterprise and programme digital product owners, to support effective governance, integration and operational coordination across the ISM digital environment. The role provides essential, specialist digital leadership and coordination across programme systems, operational delivery and participant-facing digital infrastructure, supporting integrated and insight-informed delivery across the ISM programme environment.
You will provide strategic leadership for the programme’s embedded digital enabling function, supporting integrated programme and pathway delivery through effective digital coordination, systems integration, operational consistency and data-informed working. You will lead the programme application and operational coordination of enterprise and programme-specific digital systems and participant data environments, ensuring effective governance, usability, alignment and continuous improvement across the ISM digital ecosystem.
Accountabilities are, but not limited to:
- Strategy, Integration and Digital Delivery
- Lead the strategic development, integration and continuous improvement of digital systems, platforms and operational workflows across the ISM lifecycle.
- Develop and maintain an integrated digital operating model supporting effective programme and pathway delivery, operational efficiency, scalability and digitally enable participant engagement.
- Oversee complex digital delivery and systems integration activity across the programme environment, ensuring effective coordination, implementation oversight and operational alignment across multiple stakeholders and delivery teams.
- Governance and Operational Coordination
- Act as the programme’s senior interface with D&T, enterprise and programme digital product owners, pathway leads and corporate functions, supporting effective governance, alignment and programme application of digital systems.
- Work closely with ISM pathway and programme teams to support integrated and sustainable digital delivery practices across programme operations, supporting coordination and consistency across programme systems, workflows, reporting processes and participant-facing digital activity.
- Ensure programme digital activity aligns with organisational standards relating to accessibility, safeguarding, data protection, cyber security and equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Reporting, Insight and Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with Programme Management & Delivery and MEL colleagues to support coherent approaches to programme reporting, operational performance measurement and participant insight across the ISM environment.
- Support the effective coordination and use of programme reporting systems, participant data environments and digital reporting tools to strengthen operational visibility and programme delivery.
- Promote the effective use of operational data, engagement insight and delivery reporting to support continuous improvement across programme delivery activity.
- Leadership and Management
- Lead and develop the ISM digital systems and delivery team, establishing effective ways of working and a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Provide specialist advice and leadership across programme and pathway teams on digital systems, operational integration, implementation planning and digitally enabled delivery.
- Contribute to wider programme planning, operational coordination and cross-functional working across the ISM programme structure.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Experience leading complex digital delivery, systems integration or operational transformation activity across multi-stakeholder environments.
- Experience overseeing or implementing integrated digital platforms, CRM systems or participant-facing digital ecosystems which support programme delivery, engagement, reporting and operational insight.
- Strong understanding of how digital systems, workflows and data processes support operational delivery, participant experience, programme effectiveness and continuous improvement.
- Experience working across programme, marketing, digital, data and operational functions to align delivery approaches, governance and system application.
- Experience supporting the implementation, optimisation or governance of digital products and platforms within large or matrixed organisations.
- Ability to translate operational and programme requirements into effective digital processes, systems approaches and user-focused solutions.
- Experience leading teams and managing delivery within complex operational environments.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and coordination skills.
Important Information:
- Department: Education - Cultural Engagement.
- Contract type: Indefinite.
- Pay band: SMP-S
- Salary: £55,699 - £68,649 per annum. Plus £3,300 London Market Allowance if you are based in the London area only.
- Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to:
- 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
- 3 days volunteering leave
- Career average defined benefit pension scheme
- Location of the role: UK ONLY – London, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast.
- Closing Date: Thursday 23rd July 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
- Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the countries that are listed, at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.
Head of Digital Systems and Delivery, ISM United Kingdom Education and Society in London employer: British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions inclusion and diversity. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong commitment to social impact, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in communities across the UK.
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We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Systems and Delivery, ISM United Kingdom Education and Society in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Systems and Delivery, ISM United Kingdom Education and Society in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at British Council, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of British Council and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that British Council might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at British Council.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
