Director of Systems and Innovation

East Surrey College / John Ruskin College; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Greater London is seeking a Director of Systems and Innovation to lead the digital transformation journey. The role involves providing strategic leadership across ICT and data governance. The ideal candidate will have a strong IT degree, professional experience, and the ability to operate at a strategic level. Key responsibilities include overseeing digital transformation initiatives and managing systems efficiently. Offering a competitive salary and staff benefits, this is an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Choice of two excellent pension schemes

Brilliant holiday package

Free onsite parking

Access to a fully equipped gym

Discounted in-house spa and salon treatments

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications in systems related disciplines are required.
• Experience in leading and managing a professional services function.
• Ability to operate at a strategic level is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Systems and Innovation team.
• Shape and deliver the College’s ICT strategy.
• Oversee digital transformation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

IT governance

Cybersecurity

Education

Strong IT or Systems related Degree

Maths & English GCSE / Level 2 equivalent

Job description

Interview date: Wednesday 14th January 2026

Lead with impact. Drive innovation. Shape the future.

Orbital South Colleges Group is seeking an exceptional leader to drive our digital transformation journey. As Director of Systems and Innovation, you will provide strategic leadership across ICT, systems, and data governance, ensuring our infrastructure and processes align with our educational mission and future ambitions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the Systems and Innovation team, fostering a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Shape and deliver the College’s ICT strategy, ensuring systems and processes are efficient, secure, and future‑focused.
• Oversee digital transformation initiatives to enhance teaching, learning, and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure robust data governance, cybersecurity, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage budgets, procurement, and vendor relationships, ensuring value for money.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to deliver innovative technical and reporting solutions.
• Champion sustainability and AI initiatives across the College Group.
• Represent the College externally, sharing best practice and staying ahead of emerging technologies.

The successful candidate must have:

• Strong IT or Systems related Degree and professional experience.
• Professional qualifications in systems related disciplines and demonstrable experience.
• Experience of leading and managing a professional services function.
• Demonstrable ability to operate at a strategic level.
• Maths & English GCSE / Level 2 equivalent.

If this sounds like you and you will enjoy working in a forward‑thinking, friendly, fast‑paced, changing environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, we would love to hear from you. In return, we offer a competitive salary, staff benefits such as a choice of two excellent pension schemes, a brilliant holiday package, free onsite parking, and access to our fully equipped gym along with discounted in‑house spa and salon treatments.

Closing Date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

*Applications will however be shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before this closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. As much as we would love to respond to all applicants, due to the sheer volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.

Please refer to the attached Job Description, Person Specification and Competency Framework and apply using the button below.

Orbital South Colleges Group are committed to Equal Opportunities, encouraging applications from all sectors of the community to reflect our diverse student population. We are also committed to PREVENT and Safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Both College Campus’ are smoke‑free zones.

As part of our pre‑employment checks, successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS, references will be taken and evidence of all qualifications and awards will also be required before commencement of employment. Failure to do so may lead to offers being withdrawn.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as we do not sponsor work permits, and work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.