Group Head of Education Technology & Innovation

Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global education company is seeking a Head of Technology Strategy, Delivery & Innovation. This role focuses on defining technology strategies, overseeing EdTech projects, and fostering innovation across diverse regions. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and analytical skills, with a proven track record in technology transformation. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Aviva Pension

25 Days Holiday Allowance + Bank Holidays

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Significant experience in shaping and implementing technology strategies.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a cohesive technology strategy across regions.
• Plan and lead multi-region EdTech transformation projects.
• Develop and lead a technology innovation agenda focused on AI.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Decision-Making Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Tools

IT Applications

Data Management

Cybersecurity

Job description

Head of Technology Strategy, Delivery & Innovation.

About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role
As a global leader in K–12 education with over 100 schools across 17 countries, Cognita is uniquely positioned to leverage technology to revolutionize teaching and learning. Historically, education technology decisions have been made at regional, country, and school levels, leading to a fragmented technology landscape. This has introduced complexity, created inefficiencies, and limited opportunities for collaboration and standardisation.

The Head of Technology Strategy, Delivery & Innovation will provide strategic leadership in the provision of education technology solutions across the Cognita group. This role is responsible for defining a cohesive technology strategy, driving effective implementation and governance, and fostering innovation. The focus is on the delivery, integration, and management of education technology solutions, distinct from their pedagogical use, which is led by our education and digital learning teams.

Experience in the education sector is not essential. What matters is a strong track record of shaping technology strategy and delivering complex, innovative projects and programs in large, multi-stakeholder environments.

Your key accountabilities:
Strategy:Review the current EdTech landscape to identify optimisation opportunities. Develop and implement a scalable, future-focused strategy that aligns with global and local objectives. Lead the implementation of a standardised blueprint, managing change across regions. Drive the selection and integration of group-wide technology solutions, ensuring interoperability and long-term value. Collaborate with Digital Learning teams to align technology solutions with pedagogical goals.

Delivery:Plan and lead multi-region EdTech transformation projects, ensuring timely and budget-aligned delivery. Oversee governance, resourcing, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Ensure successful implementation and adoption of technology solutions, focusing on educational impact and operational efficiency. Monitor program effectiveness, making data-driven adjustments as needed.

Innovation:Develop and lead a technology innovation agenda, with a focus on AI. Launch and manage pilot programs to validate and scale innovative solutions. Establish KPIs to measure the success and ROI of innovation projects. Promote best practices and continuous improvement across the organization. Foster a culture of curiosity and responsible risk-taking in technology use.

Governance:Design and implement governance frameworks for effective management of EdTech platforms and tools. Build strong relationships with regional and school leaders to support governance structures. Define and oversee group-wide policies for EdTech adoption and usage. Partner with cybersecurity, legal, and compliance teams to manage risks and ensure regulatory adherence. Monitor compliance with technology choices and governance standards, addressing gaps proactively.

Who we are looking for:
We're looking for astrategic and visionary leader capable of defining and delivering cohesive technology strategies across complex organisations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading large-scale transformation initiatives, managing delivery across diverse regions, and engaging stakeholders effectively. Strong analytical and decision-making skills, along with broad technical knowledge in IT applications, infrastructure, data, and cybersecurity, are essential.

A degree in a relevant field is required, with additional certifications in product/project/programme management or technology leadership being desirable. Significant experience in shaping and implementing technology strategies at scale, delivering complex programmes, and driving innovation with emerging technologies is crucial. Experience in the education or EdTech sectors, and familiarity with regulatory environments, is a plus.

We value adaptability, resilience, and a collaborative leadership style. The candidate should be self-motivated, with a passion for continuous improvement and the role of technology in enhancing education.

Qualifications:
• Educated to Degree level in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or similar.

Experience:
•Significant experience in shaping andimplementing technology strategy and transformation programmes at scale.
•Extensive experience working in a global or multinational organisation, with an understanding of the complexities of diverse cultural and regional contexts.
•Demonstrated success in delivering complexprogrammes with strong governance, structure, and stakeholder engagement.
•Track record of driving innovationand adopting emerging technologies to deliver impact.

Other:
•Collaborative and inclusiveleadership style, capable of building trusted relationships across cultures anddisciplines.
•Adaptable and collaborative, with a talent for navigating complex, multicultural organisations.

Benefits at Cognita
• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Aviva Pension
• 25 Days Holiday Allowance + Bank Holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development

How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is Friday 1st June 2025.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.