Digital Portfolio Director in Bristol

Digital Portfolio Director in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 75000 - 95000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
University of Bath

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead digital transformation projects that shape the future of education at the University of Bath.
  • Company: Join a top-ranked university known for its vibrant community and innovative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, and discounts on gym and tuition fees.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change in a complex, dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in leading digital transformation and managing diverse stakeholders.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully. Please make your application promptly.

Department: Digital, Data & Technology Group

Contract Type: Full Time, Open Ended

Closing Date: Monday 18 May 2026

Interview Date: Monday 15 June 2026

With a proud history spanning over 50 years, the University of Bath has grown significantly in both scale and reputation, now home to a vibrant community of over 20,000 students from 153 countries. Renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, the University consistently ranks among the UK’s top five in the Complete University Guide 2024 and is placed 132nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Named 'University of the Year' and ranked 8th in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, Bath is celebrated for its outstanding student experience and teaching quality.

The Digital Portfolio Director will lead the University of Bath's Digital Foundations Portfolio, a £20-30 million, five-year transformational programme that underpins the University’s strategic priorities and impacts every department and function. This is a rare opportunity to define and deliver digital transformation at scale, shaping how technology, people, and processes come together to create a connected, innovative, and future-ready institution.

In this role, you will:

  • Set the vision and operating model for digital transformation, building frameworks and governance from the ground up
  • Lead a complex portfolio spanning research computing, education technology, student and staff experience platforms, and foundational infrastructure
  • Drive measurable benefits, ensuring projects deliver tangible improvements to staff and student experiences
  • Engage senior leadership and stakeholders, managing relationships across diverse groups and key third-party partners such as Infosys
  • Champion cultural change, embedding new ways of working, building organisational capability, and fostering innovation

This is not a traditional portfolio management role; it requires a visionary leader who thrives on complexity, combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, and is passionate about making a real difference. You will have the autonomy to shape what good looks like, influence the University’s digital future, and position Bath as a sector leader in digital transformation.

About You: You are a strategic leader with practical delivery experience, passionate about driving complex change and digital transformation. You have a proven track record of designing and delivering organisation-wide change programmes in large, complex environments, underpinned by expert knowledge of best practice in change management. Your background spans both digital and change projects, where you have managed multiple concurrent initiatives with intricate interdependencies and diverse stakeholders. You combine strategic vision with operational agility, setting direction while actively engaging in delivery, removing blockers and accelerating progress. You thrive in complexity, embrace innovation, and have a builder's mindset creating new frameworks rather than relying on pre-defined models. With exceptional leadership and communication skills, you inspire teams, influence senior stakeholders, and maintain a relentless focus on delivery and measurable impact.

Travel to Bath: Bath, known for its Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, has been a desirable place to live since Roman times. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds legal protection for its cultural significance. Residents appreciate the green surroundings, parks, hills, and independent shops alongside the iconic Georgian landscape. The city hosts various cultural events like the Bath Literature, Music, and Comedy Festivals, 'Bath in Fashion' Week, and the annual Bath Digital Festival, providing entertainment for residents.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality, receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from underrepresented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, and an autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

What we can offer you: We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us, and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

  • Free counselling services through Health Assured
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
  • Staff discount at Team Bath gym
  • Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
  • Staff discount on language courses
  • Generous employer contributory pension schemes
  • Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work-life balance
  • A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities, including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
  • Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
  • Local discounts and more
  • A family-friendly workplace
  • An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
  • Relocation allowance
  • Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits on our website and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work, as well as following us on X and LinkedIn.

Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship, and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.

Digital Portfolio Director in Bristol employer: University of Bath

The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university provides extensive professional development opportunities, generous benefits, and a family-friendly environment, all set in the picturesque city of Bath, known for its rich history and cultural events. Join us to make a meaningful impact in digital transformation while enjoying a positive work-life balance and a supportive community.
University of Bath

Contact Detail:

University of Bath Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Digital Portfolio Director in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the University of Bath. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s digital initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for digital transformation and how you can lead complex change. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational agility. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the University of Bath team. Good luck, we’re rooting for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Digital Portfolio Director in Bristol

Strategic Leadership
Digital Transformation
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Operational Agility
Framework Development
Cultural Change Advocacy
Communication Skills
Innovation
Complex Problem Solving
Relationship Management
Delivery Focus
Measurable Impact Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the Digital Portfolio Director role entails and how your experience aligns with it. This will help you tailor your application to highlight the most relevant skills.

Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, don’t just list your previous roles. Instead, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead digital transformation and manage complex projects. Use examples that reflect the strategic vision and operational agility we’re looking for.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for digital transformation and how you’ve embraced innovation in your past roles. Authenticity can really set you apart!

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information about the role and our values there!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath

✨Know Your Digital Transformation Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and best practices in digital transformation. Understand how technology can reshape educational environments, as this role is all about leading a significant change programme. Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful digital initiatives you've led or been part of.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This position requires exceptional leadership abilities. Prepare to share stories that highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and engaging with senior stakeholders. Think about how you've inspired others and driven change in complex environments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to digital transformation. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these scenarios. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational agility, which are crucial for this role.

✨Understand the University’s Culture and Values

Familiarise yourself with the University of Bath's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering a positive culture. Showing that you understand and respect their ethos will set you apart from other candidates.

Digital Portfolio Director in Bristol
University of Bath
Location: Bristol

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