HEAD OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Location

High Wycombe

Contract Type

Permanent

Salary Range

£43,878 - £55,295/ £56,921- £65,814

Hours per week

37

Closing Date

01/12/2024

Ref No

1634

Full Time – Permanent - High Wycombe

Salary - £43,878 - £55,295/ £56,921- £65,814

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.

Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Digital Transformation to join the University. Working as an experienced programme or project portfolio manager and inspiring leader within the Digital and Technical Services Directorate (DTS), you will report to the Chief Information Officer and head up the Digital Transformation and Systems Development Teams.

Currently the University is delivering an ambitious portfolio of technology related projects in support of the Digital Strategy and you will be accountable for the overall management and co-ordination of the DTS portfolio of change programmes and projects (infrastructure, business systems and learning systems) in support of the University’s strategic objectives. Current key initiatives include the replacement of the student management system and an IT infrastructure refresh programme.

As a senior member of the Directorate you will assist the Chief Information Officer with the strategic planning of change programmes and projects to support the achievement of the University’s strategic priorities.

You will also have overall responsibility for designing, implementing and maintaining an annual planning cycle and a project portfolio management framework, within which all new change projects can be appraised, monitored and reviewed throughout their lifecycle to support the maintenance of the Directorate’s Service Catalogue.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (35 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Nicholas Roussel-Milner at nicholas.roussel-milner@bucks.ac.uk.

All applications are to be made in full and online.

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

CLOSING DATE: 1st December 2024

INTERVIEW DATE: w/c 9th December 2024

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Head of Digital Transformation

Faculty/Directorate:

Digital and Technical Services

Grade:

H/I

Location:

High Wycombe Campus (and travel to Uxbridge, Aylesbury and Great Missenden may be required)

Hours:

37

Responsible to:

Chief Information Officer

Responsible for:

Digital Transformation Team

Job Purpose:

To be accountable for the overall management and co-ordination of the Digital and Technical Services (DTS) Directorate portfolio of change programmes and projects (infrastructure, business systems and academic applications) in support of the University’s strategic objectives.

To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Chief Information Officer with the strategic planning of change programmes and projects to support the achievement of the University’s strategic priorities.
• Have overall responsibility for designing, implementing and maintaining an annual planning cycle and a project portfolio management framework, within which all new change projects can be appraised, monitored and reviewed throughout their lifecycle to support the maintenance of the Directorate’s Service Catalogue.
• Be responsible for the DTS project portfolio and oversee the process of project identification, prioritisation, approval and initiation, ensuring that all projects fit within the strategy of the Directorate and wider University.
• Have overall responsibility for the Directorate’s change function working in concert with University’s change boards and other project boards to ensure that all changes are appropriately appraised and approved.
• Be accountable for the management of projects within the DTS programme of work, working closely with the Infrastructure and Systems Manager, stakeholders and suppliers, to ensure that they are delivered on time, to budget and meet the agreed quality criteria.
• Maintain and report on a balanced plan for the delivery of the DTS project portfolio, which includes the project delivery schedule, resourcing plan and budget, and takes into account the strategic fit and risks.
• Manage the business partner function to provide a strategic interface between DTS and University departments for the purpose of business technology strategy development, solution discovery, service improvement, risk management and relationship management.
• Oversee the development of policies and processes for managing change and project delivery to ensure that projects are scoped, planned, initiated and delivered effectively.
• Support the delivery of projects by providing specialist advice and guidance regarding digital project management, governance and benefits realisation.
• Co-ordinate the work of multi-skilled virtual teams across the different technical teams and manage the technical resources to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Work closely with other members of the DTS Directorate Leadership Team to manage the budget, seeking service efficiencies and performance improvements wherever possible.
• Play a key role in the DTS Directorate’s incident management process, deputising for the Chief Information Officer in a major incident or crisis situation as necessary.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Perform such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
• Fulfil Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety and wellbeing.
• Perform supervisory duties including motivating and supporting team members, giving direction and feedback and ensuring adequate staffing cover.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Degree level education or relevant professional qualifications (A/I)
• ITIL Foundation and higher (A/I)

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of successfully managing projects through the full project life cycle, managing challenges involved in complex projects and resolving complex issues. (A/I)
• Knowledge of programme and project portfolio management. (A/I)
• Knowledge and experience of systems analysis and business analysis. (A/I)
• Knowledge and experience of the full system development lifecycle. (A/I)
• Experience of coaching, mentoring and completing staff reviews and appraisals (A/I)
• Experience of working within a Higher Education establishment. (A/I)
• Delivering an excellent customer experience (A/I)

Skills

• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills. (A/I)
• Encourages and demonstrates open communication within the project team. (A/I)
• Ability to address delicate situations and handle conflict in such a way as to maximize opportunity and minimize exposure to risk. (A/I)
• Possesses highly developed analytical skills. (A/I)
• Excellent report writing skills. (A/I)
• Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools (A/I)

Special Requirements

• Work on-call/out of hours/weekend to support the delivery of projects as required. (I)
• Travel to remote sites as required (I)

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

• Finding solutions: Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Working together: Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
• Achieving results: Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.