At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and shape the future of technology in education.
- Company: Join Middlesbrough College, a Microsoft Showcase College pushing digital boundaries.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on teaching and learning through innovative IT leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and deep technical knowledge in IT and cyber security.
The predicted salary is between 44869 - 50213 £ per year.
Middlesbrough College is looking for an exceptional digital leader to shape the future of technology across a thriving, high‑performing organisation. As a Microsoft Showcase College, we are nationally recognised for pushing the boundaries of cloud, data, and AI to transform teaching, learning, and business operations. Now, we are seeking a Head of IT who can turn this ambition into reality every single day.
This is your opportunity to lead a modern, cloud‑first, security‑driven IT service that supports more than 16,000 users and underpins every aspect of College life. You will work at the heart of a digitally progressive organisation, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer and playing a pivotal role in delivering our next phase of transformation. This is your chance to lead IT in an organisation where digital is not an afterthought, it is a strategic priority.
Why This Role Matters
The Head of Digital Services will provide strategic and operational leadership across all IT services, from infrastructure and networks to service operations, systems, cyber security, and project delivery. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, build a culture of service excellence, and ensure our digital environment is reliable, secure, scalable, and relentlessly customer‑focused. This is not a maintenance role. It is a mission‑critical leadership position that shapes how staff teach, how students learn, and how the College operates.
What You Will Lead
- High‑performing IT operations delivering seamless, responsive services
- A secure, resilient, cloud‑first infrastructure aligned to our Digital Strategy
- Cyber security, data protection, and compliance across all systems and services
- Planning, prioritisation, and delivery of digital and IT projects
- Service performance management through metrics, SLAs, and continuous improvement
- Full lifecycle management of IT assets, procurement, and resource optimisation
- Strong, proactive relationships with curriculum and professional service teams
- Major incident leadership, escalation management, and clear communication
- Contribution to governance, risk, audit, and strategic digital initiatives
What We Are Looking For
- A leader who is strategic, with the ability to translate digital ambition into operational excellence
- Technically strong, with deep understanding of cloud, networks, systems, and cyber security
- People‑centred, building high‑performing teams with a strong service ethos
- Forward‑thinking, driving innovation, automation, and continuous improvement
- Calm under pressure, able to lead major incidents with clarity and authority
- Collaborative, working across the College to improve outcomes and productivity
Why Join Us
- Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing; free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family
- Family-friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including financial advice.
- Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities
- Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days
- Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at our onsite salon.
- College benefit scheme – College Extras: Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants
- Discounted gift cards for big brands
- Home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted onsite car parking.
Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff are expected to share this commitment. If you’re successful, you’ll be required to complete thorough pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All roles within the College carry safeguarding responsibilities, including promoting student welfare, reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and modelling safe and appropriate conduct in line with College policies.
All posts at Middlesbrough College involve regulated activity and are therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020) mean that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children. As part of our shortlisting process, we will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates to identify any safeguarding or reputation‑related concerns (as required by KCSIE).
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Applications are shortlisted for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date.
Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make recruitment decisions based on skills and experience. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively support applicants with disabilities.
Head of Digital Services employer: Middlesbrough College Group
Middlesbrough College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises digital innovation and employee well-being. With substantial annual leave, flexible working hours, and extensive professional development opportunities, staff are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to a digitally ambitious environment. Located in the heart of Middlesbrough, this college not only supports over 16,000 users but also fosters a collaborative atmosphere where every team member plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education through technology.
Contact Details:
Middlesbrough College Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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