Head of Digital / AI / Platform Services

BIMM University; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year (FTE)

SMART pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

BIMM University is recruiting a Head of Digital / AI / Platform Services to steer the strategy, development and ongoing evolution of its enterprise platforms and AI-enabled solutions. You will partner with Technology, academic and professional services to secure reliable, secure and scalable digital services that support students and staff.

The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on oversight of software engineering, product development and governance, ensuring responsible use of AI and

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading digital platforms, software engineering or AI-enabled services within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of enterprise applications, platform architecture, systems integration and modern software practices.
• Experience delivering digital products and services from discovery to implementation and ongoing enhancement.
• Knowledge of generative AI, automation, LLMs, APIs and emerging digital tools, used responsibly.
• Experience establishing technical standards and governance balancing innovation with security and resilience.
• A track record of using technology to solve organisational challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, fostering ownership, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing technology suppliers, vendors and external delivery partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead Digital, AI & Platform Services, bringing together enterprise applications, software development, digital products, Digital Library Services and innovation activity.
• Define platform and product priorities, ensuring technology investment supports objectives and user needs.
• Oversee the University's enterprise platforms and digital services, ensuring they remain secure, reliable and effective.
• Lead software engineering and product development activities, promoting modern development practices and high standards of delivery.
• Drive the development and responsible adoption of AI, automation and intelligent workflows that enhance services and create value.
• Ensure new products and technologies move successfully from concept to sustainable, well-supported services.
• Oversee application architecture, integrations and platform performance in partnership with colleagues across Technology.
• Lead Digital Library Services, supporting learning, teaching and access to digital resources.
• Build partnerships across the University, translating priorities into clear digital initiatives.
• Manage relationships with software vendors, implementation partners and suppliers.

Skills

Digital leadership

Platform architecture

AI knowledge

Stakeholder mgmt

Software engineering

Job description

Head of Digital / AI / Platform Services

Salary: £49,920 - £63,000 per annum

At BIMM University, we're more than just an educational institution; we're a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, we offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Our commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets us apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

About the Role

As Head of Digital, AI & Platform Services, you will lead the strategy, development and ongoing evolution of BIMM University's enterprise platforms, digital products, software engineering capability, Digital Library Services and AI-enabled solutions.

Working closely with colleagues across Technology, academic departments and professional services, you will help shape the University's digital ecosystem, ensuring critical platforms remain secure, reliable and aligned with institutional priorities. You will also identify opportunities to use technology, automation and AI to enhance the student and colleague experience and support innovation across the University.

This role combines strategic leadership with technical oversight, ensuring digital services continue to evolve in ways that are sustainable, well-governed and responsive to organisational needs.

What You'll Do:

• Lead Digital, AI & Platform Services, bringing together enterprise applications, software development, digital products, Digital Library Services and innovation activity.
• Define platform and product priorities, ensuring technology investment supports institutional objectives and user needs.
• Oversee the University's enterprise platforms and digital services, ensuring they remain secure, reliable and effective.
• Lead software engineering and product development activities, promoting modern development practices and high standards of delivery.
• Drive the development and responsible adoption of AI, automation and intelligent workflows that enhance services and create organisational value.
• Ensure new products and technologies move successfully from concept and experimentation into sustainable, well-supported services.
• Oversee application architecture, integrations and platform performance in partnership with colleagues across Technology.
• Lead Digital Library Services, working closely with academic teams to support learning, teaching and access to digital resources.
• Build strong partnerships across the University, translating organisational priorities into clear digital and technology initiatives.
• Manage relationships with software vendors, implementation partners and suppliers, ensuring effective delivery and value for money.
• Contribute to technology strategy, investment planning and transformation initiatives across the University.

What You'll Bring:

• Significant experience leading digital platforms, software engineering, technology products or AI-enabled services within a complex organisation.
• A strong understanding of enterprise applications, platform architecture, systems integration and modern software engineering practices.
• Experience delivering digital products and services from discovery and design through to implementation and ongoing enhancement.
• Knowledge of generative AI, automation technologies, large language models, APIs and emerging digital tools, and how they can be applied effectively and responsibly.
• Experience establishing technical standards and governance approaches that balance innovation with security, resilience and long-term sustainability.
• A track record of using technology to solve organisational challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, creating a culture of ownership, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing technology suppliers, software vendors and external delivery partners.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess priorities and make informed decisions.

The postholder will be based within a commutable distance of one of BIMM University's seven UK campuses (Brighton, London, Essex, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds)

Why BIMM University

We are a values-led organisation, meaning our core values underpin all that we do:

Believe in Everyone, Challenge the Norm, Grow Together, Do The Right Thing, Own It.

In addition to joining a committed and dedicated team, you will have access to:

• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package

We continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that we truly represent our diverse communities. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in our organisation.

We are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of our students therefore, all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you may be required to complete an enhanced check / enhanced check with barred list if required by statute and internal policy.