At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT services to enhance education and research at the University of Bath.
- Company: Join a top-ranked university known for its vibrant community and beautiful surroundings.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free counselling, gym discounts, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, valuing the positive impact it brings.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital service excellence in a dynamic leadership role with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Proven senior IT leadership experience, ideally in higher education, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Salary starting from £90,000, rising to £100,000.
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional IT services that empower world-class education and research? Join our Digital, Data and Technology Group and help shape the future of digital service excellence at the University of Bath.
As Director of IT Services , you\'ll collaborate with academic and professional services teams across the university to optimise IT service delivery, enhance customer experience, and drive continuous improvement. You\'ll be part of a dynamic leadership team within our Digital, Data and Technology Group, working at the forefront of enterprise IT services to support everything from student learning to groundbreaking research initiatives.
About us
The University of Bath ranks 7th in the Guardian University Guide 2025. Our awards, accolades, and league table rankings include being placed 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 8th in the Complete University Guide 2026. We\'re the highest-ranked university in the South West of England. Our campus is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and the City of Bath with its historic charm and social activity is only a short distance away, creating an excellent environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunities employer and have a vibrant multinational community with staff from over 60 countries.
About the role
As part of the DDaT senior leadership team, you will:
- Lead the provision of proactive, coherent, customer-focused IT Support Services, ensuring timely collaboration and efficient, effective delivery across all service areas.
- Drive optimisation of IT support services to ensure fast, effective response to requests and prompt resolution of incidents.
- Oversee procurement and lifecycle management of IT hardware and software, developing a comprehensive university IT Asset register and Software Catalogue.
- Provide strategic direction for 1st and 2nd line support teams alongside specialist IT support for teaching, learning, and research.
- Ensure timely, effective additional support through assistive technology advice and guidance.
- Lead department budget and HR planning, management, and assurance in support of the Chief Digital Officer.
- Provide guidance on HR, finance, communications, and administrative matters across the department, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
- Ensure reporting requirements are completed on time and to a high quality.
- Promote staff well-being and coherent, timely communications across the department.
About you
We\'re looking for someone with:
- Proven experience of senior IT leadership within complex enterprise-scale environments, ideally in higher education or non-profit sectors.
- Significant experience in efficient IT Service Management within complex enterprise environments, using best practices and horizon-scanning for relevant opportunities to improve.
- Outstanding leadership skills with evidence of successfully building, motivating, and managing diverse teams.
- Comprehensive experience in improving customer IT service experience through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from technical teams to senior executives.
You will have a degree in IT Customer Services, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience, with demonstrated senior leadership success in complex enterprise-scale IT environments. Practical experience leading comprehensive IT support operations—from service desk management to specialist technical support—and a proven track record of delivering transformational improvements that enhance customer experience are essential. You should also bring hands-on expertise in budget management, procurement processes, and HR leadership across diverse teams.
Outstanding leadership and communication skills are crucial, with the ability to manage complex, changing priorities while maintaining a customer-focused approach. Experience leading diverse teams through change and implementing solutions that deliver efficient, effective outcomes for staff and service users is vital.
Experience in IT procurement, software licensing management, and contract tendering would be particularly valuable.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to equality. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 nations and have received a Silver Athena SWAN award for gender equality and intersectionality. We encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, especially from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact this diversity brings to our university. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
Our benefits package includes:
- 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
- Personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- An excellent reward package recognizing our diverse workforce
Director of IT Services in Bath employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity with staff from over 60 countries. As part of the Digital, Data and Technology Group, you will have access to generous benefits, including professional development opportunities, a supportive environment for well-being, and a picturesque campus location that enhances both work and life balance. Join us in shaping the future of IT services in a leading institution renowned for its commitment to excellence in education and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of IT Services in Bath
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including University of Bath, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through University of Bath
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at University of Bath. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of IT Services in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at University of Bath insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to University of Bath that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at University of Bath to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at University of Bath.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.