At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and ensure robust IT services for South Hampshire College Group.
- Company: Join a newly formed college group dedicated to shaping successful futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology in education and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT leadership and a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) was formed through the merger of City College Southampton, Eastleigh College and Fareham College on 1st August 2023. SHCG is now fully integrated and committed to creating better futures for all, driven by a mission to enable students, apprentices and regional businesses to enjoy successful futures through high-quality technical and professional education and training.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and as part of the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership and accountability for the provision, resilience and evolution of digital, data and technology capabilities that underpin the work of SHCG. As the executive lead for IT services, digital transformation, cyber security and data governance, you will ensure that SHCG’s technology infrastructure is secure, resilient and aligned with institutional priorities, regulatory frameworks and compliance standards.
We are seeking an experienced and visionary technology leader with extensive knowledge of using technology to transform operational performance, with a keen strategic mindset to align the overall technology agenda against SHCG's vision and mission. You will be highly customer-centric (student, staff, employers) in your outlook, have a clear capacity to shape agendas both internally and externally, and have the leadership skills to transform thinking and secure buy-in for change.
To learn more about this opportunity and the application process, please review the assignment brief below. To apply, kindly submit a covering letter and CV to contactus@doddpartners.com. If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact John Dodd at 07545 431848. The closing date for applications is 9.00am on Monday, 27th April 2026.
South Hampshire College Group - Chief Information Officer employer: Doddpartners
Luminate Education Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Leeds that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities and support for our staff to thrive in their careers. Join us to make a meaningful impact in education and training, where your leadership will inspire change and drive success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land South Hampshire College Group - Chief Information Officer
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Doddpartners values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Doddpartners might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Doddpartners!
✨Direct Apply to Doddpartners
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Doddpartners website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace South Hampshire College Group - Chief Information Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Doddpartners.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Doddpartners. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Doddpartners
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
