Head of Architecture and Technology

Main area Senior IT Manager Grade Band 8d Contract Permanent: Limited options for flexible working as an on-site presence is required most days Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 279-8400761-NOV26

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site UHSussex Town UHSussex sites Salary £94,356 - £108,814 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 23/11/2026 23:59

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Job overview

The Head of Architecture and Technology is responsible to the Deputy CIO and CIO for the planning, management and implementation of IT resources that deliver the Trust’s IT Strategy. The role encompasses the deployment of new versions and enhancements of the current Trust IT systems and telecommunications.

The post holder will lead the design and management of all aspects of the IT function co-ordinating required resources and skills to ensure that maximum benefit is achieved.

The Head of Architecture and Technology will make a significant contribution to the development of the Trust IT Service and that of the local health economy.

The post-holder will be responsible for continuously reviewing the Trust’s IT capacity and capability to support and deliver on the Trust’s strategic agenda.

As the Trust’s lead for IT systems, represent the Trust on appropriate local, area, regional, and national meetings and forums.

Overall responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the progress of IT systems, technical projects and programmes, their associated risks, issues and resources ensuring appropriate governance and support arrangements.

Main duties of the job

Management

1. Provide professional management and leadership of IT and telecommunications, ensuring alignment with the business objectives and the strategic direction of the Trust, working in partnership with external and internal stakeholders as required.

2. Lead on IT development and the implementation of associated changes and service improvements.

3. Ensure strong professional leadership of IT, promoting the highest possible professional standards across the Trust.

4. Keep up to date with latest developments, advising the CIO and Deputy CIO and ensuring the Trust is best placed to take advantage of emerging IT methodologies and capabilities.

5. Proactively ensure that there is patient, clinical, managerial and end-user involvement and engagement in the IT agenda, advising on relevant developments and initiatives as they arise.

6. To engage with patient/carer/relative groups with a view to improve the services

7. To promote the use of technology in the delivery of patient care and the achievement of high levels of efficiency and management decision making, facilitating workshops and internal events to gain internal ownership and understanding …

Please see full JD for detailed duties.

Working for our organisation

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

Management

1. Provide professional management and leadership of IT and telecommunications, ensuring alignment with the business objectives and the strategic direction of the Trust, working in partnership with external and internal stakeholders as required.

2. Lead on IT development and the implementation of associated changes and service improvements.

3. Ensure strong professional leadership of IT, promoting the highest possible professional standards across the Trust.

4. Keep up to date with latest developments, advising the CIO and Deputy CIO and ensuring the Trust is best placed to take advantage of emerging IT methodologies and capabilities.

5. Proactively ensure that there is patient, clinical, managerial and end-user involvement and engagement in the IT agenda, advising on relevant developments and initiatives as they arise.

6. To engage with patient/carer/relative groups with a view to improve the services

7. To promote the use of technology in the delivery of patient care and the achievement of high levels of efficiency and management decision making, facilitating workshops and internal events to gain internal ownership and understanding …

8. Develop Technical programme and change management leadership and awareness across the organisation, strengthening the contribution made by the programme and change management professionals to Trust’s healthcare activities.

9. Gain best value from external professional advisors as appropriate.

10. Ensure IT suppliers fully comply with their responsibilities in delivering IT systems and benefits.

11. Managing the interdependencies between complex IT systems.

12. Responsible for creation and management of the budget and staff establishment control, including ensuring appropriate allocation of financial resources. Ensure that expenditure is monitored against budget and maintain financial control. Managing the budget, monitoring the expenditures and costs against benefits that are realised over time.

13. Lead on all of business planning for the immediate, mid-term and long term: formulating cases, submitting bids for procurement of additional resources based on evaluation, research, quotations and established contracts, whilst achieving quality outcomes to ensure that the programme develops in line with the needs of the Trust.

14. Develop and lead on the strategic planning of Trust wide initiatives, identifying potential impacts on wider organisation, resource requirements and building in contingency and adjustments as necessary in accordance with the Trust’s Risk Management Policy.

15. Responsible for making recommendations, providing advice and able to prepare strategic reports/briefings for the Board of Directors, and other groups.

16. To establish clear, measurable and deliverable key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the progress and success of all programmes.

17. Analyse, interpret and present complex data to highlight issues, risks and support decision making.

This does not cover all responsibilities, please see the Job Description.

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of a range of specialist areas, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training, plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master’s level or equivalent.
• Previous significant senior experience in IM&T / Informatics
• Track record of delivering large scale change and knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and evidence at Senior Manager level in a large, complex organisation
• Experience of significant IM&T procurement and negotiation
• Ability to provide effective leadership for all IT and Telecommunication staff and across the Trust.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

Bank workers are welcome to apply for any of our vacancies but please note if you are successful at interview there will be a delay in confirming a start date due to the Trust's current financial controls.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.