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- Tasks: Lead the digital transformation and manage a diverse team to enhance digital products.
- Company: Join the University of Reading, a forward-thinking institution committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days leave, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the University’s digital future while driving innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior digital leadership and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed; interview date is 11th September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 29th August 2025
Drive the University’s business transformation through the delivery of an ambitious digital strategy and the development of its digital products
The University of Reading is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to join our Digital Directorate as Director of Digital Products and Portfolio . This is a strategic leadership role at the heart of our digital transformation, responsible for shaping and delivering the University’s digital product lifecycle and portfolio of strategic initiatives.
You will lead the transition to a product-centric operating model, ensuring our digital services evolve to meet the changing needs of students, staff, and the wider academic community. This is an exciting opportunity to drive innovation, influence institutional strategy, and make a lasting impact on the University’s digital future.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development and lifecycle management of digital products and services.
- Lead and develop the design and delivery of the University’s next tranche of digital strategy portfolio initiatives.
- Champion the transition to a product-centric model, establishing cross-functional fusion teams.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the University to align digital initiatives with institutional goals.
- Ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance across all digital products.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and benefits realisation across the digital portfolio.
- Manage a team of ~60 FTE across digital products and portfolio, including product leads, project and programme managers, business analysts and PMO management.
- Oversee digital portfolio and product budgets and vendor relationships, ensuring value and performance.
- Deputise for the CDIO and contribute to University-wide leadership and governance.
About You
We are looking for a strategic, collaborative, and inclusive leader who brings:
Essential:
- Significant experience in a senior digital or IT leadership role within a large, complex organisation.
- Proven expertise and track record of delivery in digital product and portfolio management and best practices.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale transformation programmes.
- A deep understanding of enterprise architecture, digital governance, and regulatory compliance.
Desirable:
- Professional qualifications such as Agile, DevOps, Prince2, ITIL, or MSP.
- Experience in the higher education or public sector.
- Familiarity with public procurement and HR processes.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary
- A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
- 33 days annual leave (including University closure days)
- Competitive benefitspackage
- The chance to make a lasting impact on the University’s digital future.
- We encourage work in a flexible, hybrid model to find the balance of focused home-working with the collaboration and relationship-building an on-campus experience can bring (The role requires minimum 2 days a week on site on campus)
Please see the JDPS for further details.
Interview date: 11th September 2025
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Stuart Brown
Contact Job Title: Chief Digital and Information Officer
Contact Email address:
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
£75,000 to £95,000 per annum
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Director of Digital Products and Portfolio employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Digital Products and Portfolio
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in digital transformation. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about current trends in digital products.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the University of Reading's current digital initiatives and strategic goals. Understanding their existing projects will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage cross-functional teams. Be ready to share specific examples of successful digital transformations you've led, highlighting your ability to drive innovation and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest best practices in digital product management and governance. Being knowledgeable about frameworks like Agile or ITIL can demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and effective management.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Digital Products and Portfolio
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Digital Products and Portfolio position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in digital product management and leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your track record in managing large-scale transformation programmes and leading cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for driving digital transformation in higher education. Mention how your vision aligns with the University’s goals and your approach to fostering collaboration.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you possess any professional qualifications such as Agile, DevOps, or ITIL, be sure to mention these in your application. This can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to best practices in digital governance.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
✨Understand the Digital Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital products and services, especially within the higher education sector. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence the University of Reading's digital strategy.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale transformation programmes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to drive change and foster collaboration.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders across the University. Think about strategies for aligning digital initiatives with institutional goals and how you would manage expectations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your approach to continuous improvement and innovation in digital product management. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven benefits realisation in past roles and how you plan to do so at the University.
