At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and IT services for a thriving college.
- Company: Middlesbrough College, a Microsoft Showcase College pushing digital boundaries.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, health perks, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive, inclusive environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in education and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in IT, cloud, and cyber security with a people-centred approach.
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
Safeguarding Our Students
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.
Right to Work
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.
Recruitment Process
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.
Equality & Diversity
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.
For further details, please contact Richard Shuttleworth, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) on RJ.Shuttleworth@mbro.ac.uk.
Head of Digital Services (IT) 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, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join us in shaping the future of education technology while enjoying unique benefits like discounted services and a commitment to safeguarding our students.
Contact Details:
Middlesbrough College Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Services (IT)
✨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 Middlesbrough College Group 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 Middlesbrough College Group 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 Middlesbrough College Group!
✨Direct Apply to Middlesbrough College Group
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Middlesbrough College Group 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 Head of Digital Services (IT)
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 Middlesbrough College Group.
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 Middlesbrough College Group. 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 Middlesbrough College Group
✨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.
