Head of Applications

Hartpury University and College; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave entitlement

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Hartpury University and College is seeking a Head of Applications to lead Hartpury's application services and drive strategic delivery of technology solutions that support staff and students.

The role focuses on building strong relationships, guiding the Applications Team and collaborating across Digital Services to advance Hartpury's digital strategy while ensuring secure and reliable systems and measurable service improvements.

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.
• 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.

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

People management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Head of Applications

£75,000 - £85,000 per annum

37.5 hours per week

Permanent

About the Role

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
• Generous pension scheme Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• 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

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the specified closing date should we receive sufficient applications or in order to respond to business needs. To avoid missing the opportunity to apply, we encourage candidates to submit their applications at their earliest convenience.

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