Head of Applications

Changeworknow is part of the Access Group; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Onsite fitness facilities

CPD support

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

EV salary sacrifice

Campus events access

Job summary

Hartpury University and Hartpury College is seeking a Head of Applications to lead and shape its application services, driving digital innovation and service improvements for staff and students.

The role involves strategic leadership, relationship building across academic and professional services, and delivering secure, reliable technology solutions. The team will focus on continuous improvement within a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior Applications, Digital or IT leadership role.
• Ability to build effective relationships and influence decision making.
• Strong people management skills with experience of developing and motivating teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proactive and solution focused approach to problem solving and service improvement.
• Experience of managing competing priorities, resources and changing business demands.
• Strong commercial awareness, including supplier and contract management.
• Commitment to providing an excellent customer experience and delivering measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership for Hartpury's application services and systems portfolio.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders across academic and professional service areas.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation through technology-enabled solutions.
• Ensuring applications remain secure, reliable and fit for future organisational needs.
• Managing a varied portfolio of projects, enhancements and service developments.
• Leading and developing a skilled, customer-focused Applications Team.
• Working collaboratively across Digital Services to support Hartpury's wider digital strategy.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

People management

Effective communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in IT/Computing

Tools

Supplier management

Project portfolio mgmt

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Head of Applications to lead and shape Hartpury's application services, ensuring they support an exceptional experience for staff and students. Working closely with colleagues across Hartpury, you will drive digital innovation, service improvement and the effective delivery of technology solutions that support our strategic objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of Digital Services and make a significant contribution to Hartpury's continued success.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Providing strategic leadership for Hartpury's application services and systems portfolio
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders across academic and professional service areas
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation through technology enabled solutions
• Ensuring applications remain secure, reliable and fit for future organisational needs
• Managing a varied portfolio of projects, enhancements and service developments
• Leading and developing a skilled, customer focused Applications Team
• Working collaboratively across Digital Services to support Hartpury's wider digital strategy

About You

• Significant experience in a senior Applications, Digital or IT leadership role
• The ability to build effective relationships and influence decision making
• Strong people management skills with experience of developing and motivating teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• A proactive and solution focused approach to problem solving and service improvement
• Experience of managing competing priorities, resources and changing business demands
• Strong commercial awareness, including supplier and contract management
• A commitment to providing an excellent customer experience and delivering measurable outcomes

We offer a fantastic package of staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts Scheme
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Support for continuous professional development
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Free entry to seasonal events on campus
• Access to a shuttle bus (Gloucester Routes)

About Us

Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing . Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas. Our passionate, innovative business culture and strong support networks make Hartpury an exceptional place to develop professionally and progress your career.

At Hartpury, we’re committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace – a place where we can all be ourselves and everyone feels respected and valued. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively welcome applications from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities and disabled candidates. We offer an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role. We’ll also ensure fair treatment and provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process for anyone who needs them. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity,

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 th October 2026

Interviews will be held on w/c 19 th October 2026

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.