At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT services and shape the digital future at a prestigious university.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a leader in academic excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving transformation in a historic institution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and research through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT service delivery and a passion for user-focused solutions.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
The University of Oxford is seeking an exceptional Director of IT Services to lead the teams responsible for delivering technology infrastructure, project delivery and customer-facing IT services across one of the world's most prestigious and influential institutions.
This is a rare opportunity to join Oxford's newly restructured Digital and Information Services leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the University's digital future. Working alongside the Chief Digital and Information Officer, Chief Data Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Director of Digital Governance Unit, and Director of Research Computing, you will help deliver an ambitious Digital Plan designed to prepare Oxford for the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading Oxford's Infrastructure Services, Customer Services, Software Solutions and Programme & Project Delivery functions.
- Shaping and delivering the University’s digital vision and operating model, and provide collaborative leadership across the digital ecosystem driving the transition to a modern, user-focused service delivery model built around continuous improvement and product-led thinking.
- Delivering reliable, secure and high-performing digital services that support education, research and administration.
- Strengthening governance, resilience, and security across the University’s digital estate, and provide technology governance and institutional oversight.
- Building strong partnerships with academic, professional and collegiate stakeholders across the University and beyond.
- Providing strategic and operational leadership for IT Services, developing a high-performing and resilient workforce with a culture of innovation, accountability and excellent customer service.
About You
We are interested in hearing from accomplished digital and technology leaders who can demonstrate:
- A strong track record of IT service delivery, transformation and organisational change.
- Deep understanding of modern digital platforms, infrastructure and service management.
- A passion for creating outstanding user experiences and customer-focused services.
At Oxford, you will join an institution that combines centuries of academic excellence with a commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and global impact. The University is recognised as one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and continues to invest heavily in its digital capabilities.
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of public holidays. Exceptional family leave provisions. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension. Extensive wellbeing, social and cultural benefits.
Closing Date: 12 noon GMT on Thursday 12th November 2026.
Interviews: The University has engaged McLean Partnership to support this recruitment. Applications should consist of a CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation and interest in the role and explain how you meet the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.
Head of Service Manager (IT) in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Manager (IT) in Oxford
✨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 Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford!
✨Direct Apply to University of Oxford
Let's not forget to apply directly through the University of Oxford 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 Head of Service Manager (IT) in Oxford
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 Oxford.
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 Oxford. 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 Oxford
✨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.
