Queen Mary’s College (QMC) is seeking to appoint a Head of IT Support & Digital Solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead advancements in the information technology and digital user experience at College.

QMC serves approximately 2,100 students, ably supported by a talented staff of approximately 200. The diverse and inclusive curriculum is naturally at the heart of everything we do. It is vital that we have an IT support and digital service that boldly and safely enables high quality teaching and learning, delivery of a multitude of support functions and timely access to critical data through a secure and robust IT infrastructure.

As Head of IT & Digital Solutions we would look to the successful candidate to develop a comprehensive IT strategy that compliments the wider business aims over the coming five years. The College must remain flexible to the pace of change but have a measured and achievable direction. Teaching has evolved radically following the pandemic and these gains need to be consolidated and planned improvements clearly communicated to ensure a well-informed and supported staff. The role would work closely with the College Management Team (CMT), our Head of Data (MIS, Exams and Central Registry) and Curriculum Directors to ensure we have the appropriate technology available to enhance the learning experience of our students and delivery of related services.

This role will be integral in seeking and welcoming feedback from stakeholders and our departmental EdTechs to improve services and ensure we remain innovative and at the cutting-edge. The role is pivotal in implementing appropriate technology, broadening the staff’s skills-set and promoting confidence in effective use.

The successful candidate must have proven project management and change management capabilities and be mindful of the need to provide value for money solutions given the budget constraints typical of the public sector. The College wishes to bring about efficiencies through Cloud services, easy access and self-service digital technology, particularly when considering access to student information and assessment data.

We have a strong IT Support Team who manage the operational day-to-day pressures whilst working towards enhancing cyber security. They are delivering some critical projects including server replacement, network amalgamation, automated onboarding/offboarding, upgrades to our print solutions, casting, improved WiFi access and the implementation of a new esports facility, to name but a few. We invested in approximately 240 new desktop machines over the summer and we are keen to realise BYOD opportunities.

As Head of IT & Digital Solutions, we will rely on you to assimilate the College’s strategic objectives and allow you to research and review information to put forward ideas that meet our ambitions. We are open to innovation if it moves the College forward.

Most importantly you need to be able to lead projects and take responsibility for the successful rollout; liaising effectively with line managers to ensure plans are delivered efficiently, to time and within budget.

We would expect you to lead by example with a hands-on attitude that supports our excellent IT Support Team in meeting the multiple demands placed upon them. 

You will need to be comfortable working in a coaching style of management that encourages high performance and innovation.

You will also need to be prepared to work with and help young people as well as having excellent customer service in the support of the staff.

We are looking for someone who can network with service providers and other colleges to ensure we benefit from a strong support network and do not become IT complacent.

Ideally our new Head of IT & Digital Solutions would have educational experience but it is not essential if the successful candidate has a proven interest in the field. We require someone who has can demonstrate an understanding of a developing curriculum and service offer to ensure the student experience is the best that it can be.

Safeguarding our students, staff and IT facilities is of paramount importance.

Purpose of Job:

Working with the College Management Team to maintain a strategic overview. Providing an IT service that meet the demands of the curriculum and support services. Ensuring the College is able to respond flexibly to changing demands and remains at the cutting edge of technology.

Managing the IT Support Team to ensure excellent customer service when dealing with students and staff, the smooth delivery of planned projects, operational effectiveness and management of the ticketing system.

Accountable to: Assistant Principal, Organisational Support

Accountable for: IT Support Engineer, IT Operations Lead, Senior IT Technician, Trainee IT Technician & IT Apprentice - Esports.

Closing date:- 31 October 2021

Interview date:-  9 November

Please see attached job description for further details