Head of Digital / AI / Platform Services

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

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

SMART pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

BIMM University is seeking a Head of Digital, AI & Platform Services to shape strategy, oversee enterprise platforms and drive AI-enabled solutions across the institution. You will lead software engineering, product development and Digital Library Services, ensuring secure, scalable services aligned with university priorities.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical oversight, guiding modernization and responsible innovation across campuses in the UK and beyond.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading digital platforms, software engineering or AI-enabled services within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of enterprise applications, platform architecture and systems integration.
• Experience delivering digital products from discovery through implementation and enhancement.

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 to align tech investment with objectives and user needs.
• Oversee enterprise platforms, ensuring they remain secure, reliable and effective.
• Lead software engineering and product development with modern practices and high delivery standards.
• Drive AI, automation and intelligent workflows to enhance services and value.
• Ensure new products move from concept to sustainable, well-supported services.
• Oversee architecture, integrations and platform performance with Technology colleagues.
• Lead Digital Library Services to support learning, teaching and access to digital resources.
• Build partnerships across the University and translate priorities into digital initiatives.
• Manage relationships with software vendors and suppliers for value for money.
• Contribute to technology strategy, investment planning and transformation initiatives.

Skills

Digital platforms

Software engineering

AI-enabled services

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Security & governance

Team leadership

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.