At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance productivity and collaboration services using Microsoft 365 and AI technologies.
- Company: Join a dynamic university IT team focused on innovation and digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, gym discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available, with potential sponsorship for skilled workers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how staff and students collaborate in a digital-first environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in IT and a passion for enhancing user experiences.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Interviews are expected to be held the week commencing the 7 September 2026. This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
The Digital Workplace - Productivity & Collaboration Manager is a key leadership role within IT Operations, accountable for the performance, development and continuous improvement of the University’s productivity and collaborative services. This includes the Microsoft 365 platform, Unified Communication and Collaboration services (including Teams Voice, mobile services and telephony), and emerging AI-enabled productivity technologies such as Copilot.
You will lead a team of specialists to deliver secure, resilient, innovative and future-focused services that enable staff and students to work, teach, and collaborate effectively. The services delivered through this role underpin the day-to-day operation of the University, supporting everything from teaching and learning to research, administration and decision-making.
In a highly connected and digital environment, this role is critical to ensuring colleagues across the institution have the tools, platforms and support they need to succeed. Working in partnership across IT and the wider University, you will drive service performance, champion user experience, ensure effective governance and shape the roadmap for the ongoing evolution of our Digital Workplace platforms and services.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who thrives in a complex organisation, enjoys leading people and can combine operational excellence with long-term service development and digital transformation.
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
- And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: James Crossland, Head of IT Workplace Operations.
Digital Workplace - Productivity & Collaboration Manager in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration between academia and industry. With opportunities for hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful research and innovation initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Workplace - Productivity & Collaboration Manager in Leeds
✨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 Leeds 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 Leeds 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 Leeds!
✨Direct Apply to University of Leeds
Let's not forget to apply directly through the University of Leeds 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 Digital Workplace - Productivity & Collaboration Manager in Leeds
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 Leeds.
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 Leeds. 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 Leeds
✨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.
