Head of IT Projects and Governance in Bradford

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last five years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.

The IT Services team is committed to providing the best possible experience for staff and students. We support a mix of diverse systems and solutions which the University depends on. By joining the team, you can make a real difference.

What you will be doing:

• Ensuring quality delivery of IT Projects and enhanced changes to existing IT systems and introducing new systems.
• Providing leadership in the project lifecycle for existing and future University services.
• Ensuring the governance of key IT elements such as testing and IT Security and Risk Management are completed.
• This is a key strategic role for IT Services, having control of significant University IT Projects and ensuring the key governance elements of testing, IT Risk and IT Security are embedded into both Projects and the wider IT department.
• The team will cover a broad scope of work with some very specialist competencies such as testing and IT security governance.
• Responsible for ensuring that projects and services are delivered in line with both IT Service and University strategy and policy.

We're looking for someone who is prepared to challenge the status quo; ask why; and help drive improvements and efficiencies.

Qualifications/experience:

• Extensive experience of managing large, complex projects and IT change programmes across an organisation, using formal project management tools and processes.
• Experience of leading a small team.
• Understanding of IT Business Analysis and Testing techniques.
• Evidence of influencing, negotiating and gaining agreement on project or portfolio-level priorities.
• Expertise in effective management of programme/project benefits as presented in the Business Case.
• Significant experience of leading, managing and directing the work of other project managers, other professionals and external consultants to deliver complex projects.
• Ability to manage conflicting resource demands.
• Knowledge of agile and waterfall methodologies.
• Ability to effectively plan and work around varying stakeholder needs.
• Budget and resource management in an IT project environment.
• Excellent understanding of how to deliver technology change within an environment where multiple other change projects are happening at the same time.
• Experience of managing IT suppliers and negotiating contractual terms in conjunction with the procurement team.
• Knowledge of IT Security standards, policies and procedures.
• Experience of writing technical documentation, including technical tenders and engaging with suppliers.
• Demonstrable track record developing effective working relationships at all levels including with senior leaders, both internally and externally within either a traditional or matrix environment.
• Substantial experience of managing stakeholders at different levels within the organisation with the ability to negotiate and influence outcomes.

If you do not meet every single requirement, we encourage you to arrange an informal conversation with the hiring manager. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

In Return we Offer:

• 30 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies.
• Great campus facilities including unique fitness centre, eye clinic, physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation, counselling & mental health services, on-site nursery, food & drink outlets.
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes - Universities Superannuation Scheme.
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts.

If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please message or email Angela Beswick at a.beswick@bradford.ac.uk.

At the University of Bradford, we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave. In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics.