Job Description

This post is full time and permanent, working 35 hours per week.
Lead Digital Transformation at the Heart of Higher Education
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Information Systems & Support (ISS) to shape and lead the digital and data strategy of one of the UK's most vibrant and inclusive universities. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced IT executive with vision, strategic drive and a passion for innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. The University of Westminster has a proud and distinctive legacy, founded over 180 years ago as London's first polytechnic. Today, we remain true to our progressive and compassionate roots, committed to widening participation, empowering transformation, and fostering a global outlook through practical, values-driven education. We strive to be a place where all individuals, regardless of background, can realise their full potential and thrive within our diverse, urban, and international community.
About the Role
As Director, you will provide bold leadership across the university's AI, digital, information, and technology services, ensuring our systems are secure, agile, responsive and world-class in supporting our students, staff and institutional goals. You'll report directly to the University Secretary and COO and be an integral member of the University Professional Services Leadership Team, influencing strategic decisions and leading the digital evolution of the University.
You will lead a diverse, high-performing team of around 125 professionals, directing operational and capital budgets of up to 15M to deliver an integrated digital service across a multi-site institution. This includes spearheading generative AI integration, modernising technical architecture, and driving service excellence through strong governance, security and innovation.
What You'll Do

• Champion a transformative university-wide digital and data strategy aligned with strategic goals in teaching, research and professional services.

• Provide strategic leadership for capital digital projects, advising senior leaders on investment, innovation and risk.

• Drive a culture of compliance, cybersecurity and information governance, embedding sector-leading practices across the institution.

• Lead and inspire a collaborative, customer-focused ISS function, ensuring responsive, inclusive, and innovative service delivery.

• Deliver robust budgetary and project management, ensuring value, transparency, and impactful technology investment.

• Build effective cross-University partnerships and represent the University externally at national and sector forums.

• Contribute actively to professional services leadership, promoting values-driven leadership, diversity, inclusion, and service excellence.

About You
You are a visionary, values-led leader with significant senior-level experience delivering digital services within large and complex organisations. With an excellent understanding of information governance, enterprise architecture, strategic investment and customer-led innovation, you can inspire change and deliver results.

• A track record of leading digital transformation and operational excellence in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

• Deep expertise in digital strategy, compliance, cyber security and infrastructure architecture.

• Proven experience in leading large teams and managing multi-million-pound budgets.

• Strong ability to influence senior leadership, navigate complexity, and lead organisational change.

• A commitment to inclusive leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience, with management and/or professional IT qualifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP).

Experience in higher education or a similarly regulated sector is highly desirable, but not essential.
Why Join Us?
You'll join a university renowned for inclusive culture, leadership excellence and progressive thinking. Our commitment to innovation and collaboration drives everything we do and our people are at the heart of it. This is your opportunity to lead a digital transformation with meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of students and staff.
We Offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package

• Generous leave and flexible working options

• A dynamic, values-led working environment

• Commitment to professional development and wellbeing

Ready to lead the future of digital in higher education?
We will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm, Profile Resourcing. To apply or learn more, please visit the or contact Jason Sinclair: jason@profileresourcing.co.uk.
We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a working environment that is inclusive, respectful and encourages everyone to thrive.
At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.
We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.
The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.
Closing date: midnight on 20 July 2025
Interviews are likely to be held w/c 4 August 2025
Administrative contact (for queries only): Recruitment@westminster.ac.uk