Head of Architecture and IT Development

University of Bedfordshire; Leigh; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Gym membership

Flexible working

Professional development

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

University of Bedfordshire seeks a visionary Head of Architecture and IT Development to steer our digital transformation. You will lead software development, solution design, and modernisation across the University while remaining technically hands-on in coding and delivery.

Reporting to the CIO, you will shape strategy, mentor teams, and drive DevOps, AI-assisted development, and secure coding practices to deliver scalable, integrated solutions across campuses.

Qualifications

• Experience leading development teams while remaining technically hands-on.
• Experience in solution architecture, cloud integration, DevOps, and modern development practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for technology, innovation, and developing people.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical professionals, driving high standards and continuous improvement.
• Shape solution architecture and modernise enterprise applications, integrations, and cloud services.
• Remain hands-on with coding, technical design, code reviews, and complex problem-solving.
• Champion modern development practices, including DevOps, automation, AI-assisted development, and secure coding.
• Collaborate with the CIO and senior stakeholders to deliver technology solutions supporting the University's digital transformation.

Skills

.NET / Python

SQL

APIs

Azure

Leadership

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Description

The University of Bedfordshire is seeking a talented and forward-thinking Head of Architecture and IT Development to lead our technical development capability and play a key role in delivering our ambitious digital transformation agenda. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), you will lead software development, solution architecture, application integration, and modernisation across the University. This hands-on technical leadership role combines strategic direction and people management with practical involvement in coding, solution design, troubleshooting, and technical delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical professionals, driving high standards and continuous improvement.
• Shape solution architecture and modernise enterprise applications, integrations, and cloud services.
• Remain hands-on with coding, technical design, code reviews, and complex problem-solving.
• Champion modern development practices, including DevOps, automation, AI-assisted development, and secure coding.
• Work closely with the CIO and senior stakeholders to deliver technology solutions supporting the University's digital transformation.

Key Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in.NET and/or Python, SQL, APIs and Microsoft Azure.
• Proven experience leading development teams while remaining technically hands-on.
• Experience in solution architecture, cloud integration, DevOps, and modern development practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for technology, innovation, and developing people.

Benefits

• generous pension and annual leave entitlement
• free fitness classes and gym membership
• flexible working arrangements
• personal and professional development
• family-friendly policies

Location

The post will be based at Luton Campus (with travel to other campuses as required)

Interview Details

Interviews will be held on the 16th December 2026

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.

At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.

We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.

We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.