At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic development of Computing & IT programmes and ensure high-quality teaching.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing education providers focused on real outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous leave, and strong professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with autonomy and opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education in tech and make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in higher education and a PhD or equivalent qualification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About School of Coding & AI
School of Coding & AI (SoC&AI) is one of the UK's fastest growing education providers, delivering high quality, career focused programmes across Business, Coding, Computer Science & AI, STEM, Health and Social Care. We work with schools and universities to provide education that leads to real outcomes. Our focus is simple, student first, always.
We are now looking for a Head of Computing & IT to lead the strategic development, academic quality and continued growth of our Computing, IT, Computer Science and digital technology provision.
About the role
Reporting to the Dean, the Head of Computing & IT will provide strategic and operational leadership across our Computing and IT academic portfolio, ensuring the School delivers high quality teaching, strong student outcomes and programmes that remain relevant to the needs of the technology, digital and computing sectors. This is a senior academic leadership role with responsibility for shaping the direction of the Computing & IT portfolio, strengthening academic standards, supporting curriculum development and driving sustainable growth. You will work closely with Subject Leads, academic teams and senior leaders to ensure the School has the right structure, quality assurance, partnerships and delivery standards in place to support students and meet organisational objectives. The role will also play an important part in identifying opportunities to expand provision, develop new courses, build external partnerships and strengthen SoC&AI's profile across computing, IT, digital technology, software development, cyber, data, AI and related sectors. The postholder will be responsible for maintaining academic quality, regulatory compliance and financial sustainability, while contributing to SoC&AI's wider growth strategy and ensuring the Computing & IT School is recognised for quality, relevance, innovation and student success.
What You'll Be Doing
- Strategic Leadership
- Set and deliver a clear academic and commercial strategy for the Computing & IT School.
- Lead the growth and development of Computing, IT, Computer Science and digital technology provision.
- Identify market opportunities, sector needs and curriculum developments that support portfolio growth.
- Contribute to senior leadership forums and wider organisational strategy.
- Ensure the School's direction aligns with SoCAI's priorities, student outcomes and external sector expectations.
- Academic Quality & Student Experience
- Own teaching quality, learning outcomes and the overall student experience.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies such as OfS, Ofsted and relevant PSRBs.
- Use data, including NSS, continuation, completion and outcomes, to drive improvement.
- Embed inclusive, accessible and high quality education.
- Research, Innovation & Impact
- Develop research, scholarship and knowledge exchange activity across Computing, IT and related disciplines.
- Encourage applied research, sector engagement and innovation that supports real world technology, digital and computing challenges.
- Support staff development, research output and external funding opportunities.
- Align activity with industry needs and regional priorities.
- People Leadership
- Lead and develop academic teams across the Computing & IT School.
- Build a high performing, accountable and engaged culture.
- Manage senior roles within the School and support leadership capability.
- Oversee workforce planning and effective deployment of resources.
- Financial & Operational Management
- Own and manage the Computing & IT School budget.
- Ensure financial sustainability and delivery against agreed targets.
- Optimise use of staff, space and resources.
- Respond effectively to changes in funding or demand.
- External Partnerships & Profile
- Build and manage relationships with employers, universities, technology companies, digital organisations, professional bodies and wider sector partners.
- Create opportunities for placements, employability, applied learning and sector engagement.
- Represent the Computing & IT School externally and strengthen its reputation.
- Develop partnerships that support curriculum relevance, student progression and wider industry impact.
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Lead on risk management, safeguarding and health & safety within the School.
- Contribute to academic governance and assurance processes.
What We're Looking For
- Essential
- Senior leadership experience within higher education, computing, IT, computer science, digital technology or a closely related sector.
- PhD or equivalent qualification.
- Strong academic or professional credibility within Computing, IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data, Cyber, AI or a related discipline.
- Proven track record of driving growth, change or performance improvement.
- Experience managing budgets and resources at scale.
- Experience working within regulated or accredited education environments.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Experience with inspections or frameworks such as QAA, Ofsted or PSRBs.
- Desirable
- Professorial or equivalent professional standing.
- Experience leading large or multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience with OfS, TEF or KEF submissions.
- Track record of building external partnerships across academia, industry or the wider technology sector.
- Experience developing new courses or expanding academic provision within Computing, IT, Computer Science, digital technology or related disciplines.
Key Relationships
- Principal, Dean and Executive Leadership.
- School Leadership Team and Heads of Subjects.
- Academic and Professional Services teams.
- External partners including universities, employers, PSRBs and regulators.
Why Join Us
- Play a key leadership role in a fast growing education organisation.
- Shape the future of a School with real autonomy.
- Work in an environment that values impact and innovation.
- Be part of a team focused on delivering real outcomes for students.
Salary £60,000 per annum plus a performance related bonus of up to £15,000. Generous annual leave entitlement. Pension scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Strong CPD and development opportunities. Company and social events. Retail discounts through Bright Exchange. Free onsite parking.
Head of School (Computing & IT) in Birmingham employer: Job Search Place Limited
At the School of Coding & AI, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK's fastest growing education providers, dedicated to delivering high-quality, career-focused programmes. As an employer, we offer a vibrant work culture that prioritises student success and innovation, alongside generous benefits such as a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and strong professional development opportunities. Join us in shaping the future of education in Computing & IT, where your leadership will directly impact student outcomes and industry relevance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of School (Computing & IT) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of School (Computing & IT) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in computing and IT. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at SoC&AI, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience:As a Head of Computing & IT, we’re looking for strong leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve driven growth or change in your previous roles.
Highlight Academic Credentials:Don’t forget to mention your academic qualifications, especially if you have a PhD or equivalent. We value strong academic credibility, so make sure this shines through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at SoC&AI!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and developments in Computing, IT, and digital technology. Brush up on your knowledge of curriculum development and academic quality standards, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience and how you've driven growth or performance improvement in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built high-performing teams and managed resources effectively.
✨Understand the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the School of Coding & AI’s mission and values. Think about how your vision for the Computing & IT portfolio aligns with their goals, especially regarding student outcomes and industry relevance.
✨Engage with External Partnerships
Be prepared to discuss your experience in building relationships with external partners, such as employers and universities. Highlight any successful collaborations you've led that enhanced curriculum relevance or student employability.
