Head of Architecture and IT Development

University of Bedfordshire; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Bedfordshire seeks a visionary Head of Architecture and IT Development to drive our digital transformation. You will lead software development, solution architecture, and integrations across the university, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.

You will manage a team of professionals, champion modern development practices, DevOps, and cloud services, and collaborate with the CIO and senior stakeholders to deliver secure, scalable technology solutions at the Luton

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead development teams while remaining hands-on.
• Strong experience in solution architecture and cloud-based integrations.
• Experience with modern dev practices and secure coding.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of developers and architects to deliver digital platforms.
• Shape enterprise architecture and modernise applications and cloud services.
• Stay hands-on with coding, design reviews and technical delivery.
• Champion DevOps, automation, AI-assisted development and secure coding.
• Collaborate with CIO and stakeholders to deliver the digital transformation.

Skills

.NET and/or Python

SQL

APIs/Microsoft Azure

Leadership & mentoring

DevOps & cloud integration

Job description

Job Title: Head of Architecture and IT Development

Reference Number: BEDS2976

Department / Faculty and Division: ICT

Salary: Grade: 9 £59,966 to £67,468

Full-time / Part-time: 37h per week. Hybrid - 4 days onsite and 1 day remote per week

Permanent / Fixed-Term Contract: 24-month fixed-term

Location: Luton Campus

Closing date: 30th November 2026

Interview date: 16th December 2026

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.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• 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.

What We’re Looking For:

• 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.

Interviews will be held on the 16th December 2026

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

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.

We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies.