Digital Portfolio Director in Somerset

Digital Portfolio Director in Somerset

Somerset Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / 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.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that combines strategy with hands-on delivery.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in leading complex change programmes and digital initiatives.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.

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.

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:

  • 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.

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.

Digital Portfolio Director in Somerset 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 being part of a community that values every individual's contribution.
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 Somerset

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Bath on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. It’s all about making connections!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Digital Portfolio Director. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your strategic thinking and leadership skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for digital transformation! During the interview, express your enthusiasm for shaping the future of the University. Share your vision on how you can drive change and improve student and staff experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and show your genuine interest in the role.

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

Digital Transformation
Strategic Leadership
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Operational Agility
Innovation
Framework Development
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Complex Problem Solving
Organisational Capability Building
Vision Setting
Delivery Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in a Digital Portfolio Director. Make sure you understand the role and how your experience aligns with our needs.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences specifically relate to the role. Highlight your achievements in digital transformation and change management that match what we’re after.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a strategic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire teams and manage complex projects. Use examples from your past roles to show how you’ve successfully led initiatives and engaged stakeholders.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath

✨Know the Digital Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital transformation, especially in higher education. Understand how technology can enhance student and staff experiences, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your strategic vision during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed complex change programmes in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire teams and engage stakeholders, as this role requires exceptional communication skills.

✨Understand the University’s Values

Research the University of Bath's mission and values, particularly their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Anticipate questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to digital transformation. Think through potential scenarios and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and operational agility.

Digital Portfolio Director in Somerset
University of Bath
Location: Somerset

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>