At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and manage innovative IT solutions at the University of Surrey.
- Company: Join a vibrant university committed to education and research in a beautiful campus setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40 days holiday, competitive salary, and a market-leading pension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital solutions while thriving in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT management and a passion for innovation and technology.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As part of an exciting digital transformation, the University of Surrey is seeking a Head Digital Solutions & Innovation. You will lead and manage a multi-disciplinary IT Development, innovation and support function which continues to evolve and meet the University’s technology needs, working to transform our applications, data, AI and related technologies to support our strategic Digital & Data plan. We value, empower and support every member of staff to get the best out of your unique talents, so you'll be rewarded with a generous salary, 32 days holiday PLUS Bank Holidays, pension contribution of 14.5%, and a unique and vibrant working environment.
Role & Responsibilities
- You will be responsible for the University’s academic and business applications, data, integration services, AI solutions, Microsoft applications and bespoke developments, ensuring high availability, resilience, and excellent user experience across all digital services.
- The role will operate as a senior and visible leader and will manage the University’s live applications and data services, promoting and developing operational excellence and service ownership and technology leadership in every aspect of the service.
- Oversee the design, maintenance, improvement and optimisation of academic and business applications, data, integration services, AI solutions, Microsoft Solutions and bespoke developments, ensuring that they are reliable, efficient, secure and meet the business need.
- Manage IT and digital development activities, across academic and business applications, data lifecycle, integration services, Microsoft ecosystem and artificial intelligence.
- Ensure adherence to service levels and development KPIs, evolving the service to meet business needs.
- Lead service improvement initiatives in line with Information Technology Infrastructure Library and related best practices.
- Manage supplier relationships and proactively monitor service levels, ensuring good vendor management and deriving value for money.
The IT team at Surrey are plugged in to the whole University, and our digital transformation work underpins the University’s strategy. IT is growing our digital transformation capability, improving student experience, and helping increase our research impact. It’s a vibrant and exciting time to join a great and well-respected team at the heart of the University’s strategic plans.
What’s in it for you?
We think Surrey is an amazing place to work, and we are carefully crafting a dynamic, flexible, and fun place to work and thrive. Our campus is a beautiful, leafy environment with carefully designed gardens, vibrant green playing fields, and a picturesque lake. With the buzz of student life and superb working facilities, the University is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research in an inspiring, innovative and diverse environment.
Alongside our gorgeous campus setting, collegiate on‑site atmosphere and plentiful development opportunities, we also offer:
- Competitive Salary
- Market leading Pension
- Up to 40 DAYS Holiday: 25 Days annual leave + 7 University Days + Bank Holidays
- Travel & Family benefits including subsidised rail fare, cycle to work scheme and on‑site childcare
- Access to on‑site leisure facilities at discounted rates
For more information or to be considered for the role, please apply via the University of Surrey Website. The University is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
Associate Director - Digital Solutions & Innovation in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With a stunning campus environment, competitive salary packages, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to employee development, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation initiatives at a prestigious institution dedicated to impactful education and research. Join us in shaping the future of technology in higher education while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Digital Solutions & Innovation in Guildford
✨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 Surrey 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 Surrey 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 Surrey!
✨Direct Apply to University of Surrey
Let's not forget to apply directly through the University of Surrey 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 Associate Director - Digital Solutions & Innovation in Guildford
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 Surrey.
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 Surrey. 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 Surrey
✨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.
