At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and shape the tech agenda at a top UK university.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a prestigious institution with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to influence future generations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a vibrant academic community focused on innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in digital transformation and leading diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Job Description
The University of Birmingham is a research-intensive institution ranked in the top 100 globally, with a diverse community of over 42,000 students from 150 countries and more than 10,000 staff.
A £1.1bn organisation and a member of the Russell Group, the University has just celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Its heritage as Britain's original "redbrick" now combines with an ambitious agenda to become a global top 50 institution an aspiration underpinned by four successive years of rises in the QS World University Rankings, to 68th.
Over 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent, and we are one of the most targeted UK universities by graduate employers.
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Information Officer.
With more than 300 staff and an investment of over £130m in digital strategy over five years, IT Services provides the infrastructure, applications and digital services that underpin research, teaching and operations across our campuses in Birmingham and Dubai.
As a member of the Professional Services Leadership Team, the CIO will shape and deliver the University's digital and technology agenda spanning digital transformation, data and analytics, enterprise IT, cybersecurity and AI.
The postholder will lead the ongoing refresh of our Digital Strategy, working closely with the Registrar, Secretary, and COO to align it with the Birmingham 2030 Strategic Framework and the University's developing strategy for artificial intelligence.
This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact at one of the UK's largest universities.
You will be a senior technology leader with a strong track record of driving digital transformation at scale in a complex organisation, experience of leading large and diverse teams, and the ability to work collaboratively across many disciplines.
Above all, you will bring empathy for the aims and culture of a world-class academic community.
The deadline to submit the application is 11:59pm on 19 July 2026.
Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously.
Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation.
The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in.
As defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is Legitimate Interests.
You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way.
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Chief Information Officer in England employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Information Officer in England
✨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 University of Birmingham 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 University of Birmingham 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 University of Birmingham!
✨Direct Apply to University of Birmingham
Let's not forget to apply directly through the University of Birmingham 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 Chief Information Officer in England
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 University of Birmingham.
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 University of Birmingham. 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 University of Birmingham
✨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.
