Head of IT

Lincoln College; Oxford; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Oxford seeks a Head of IT to oversee comprehensive IT services and ensure the security and optimal performance of the college's technological systems. This role requires strong leadership and adaptability, with responsibilities across system management, strategic planning, and user support. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in IT security, network management, and excellent communication skills. Offer includes competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free lunch

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a similar IT role.
• Strong experience in network and computer security measures.
• Excellent communication skills for non-technical users.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily IT support to staff, students, and visitors.
• Oversee administration of computer systems and networks.
• Plan and manage IT projects and system upgrades.

Skills

Analytical skills

Planning and decision-making abilities

TCP/IP networking

Excellent written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Windows Server

Linux

macOS

SQL database servers

PowerShell

VMware

Job description

Head of IT

Department : IT Office

Reports to : College Bursar

Salary : 61,696 to 65,336 per annum

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. One week must be taken at Christmas and the remainder to be taken at such time or times as shall be mutually convenient and agreed in advance with the Bursar.
• Enrolment in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• The College provides lunch free of cost.
• Other benefits include access to an Employee Assistance Programme and the College cycle and bus pass schemes.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of IT is responsible for providing comprehensive IT services to support academics, staff, students and visitors across the College while managing the institution’s computer systems and network infrastructure. This role demands adaptability to the rapid evolution of both hardware and software technologies alongside the growing and diverse needs of the user population. Given the dynamic nature of the IT landscape the responsibilities of this position will evolve continuously. A flexible working approach is essential particularly during critical periods such as peak academic times, system upgrades and emergency support needs.

Key responsibilities

• IT Support: Providing day‑to‑day support to all user groups – staff, students, academics and visitors – through troubleshooting helpdesk services and ensuring the smooth operation of all systems.
• System and Network Management: Overseeing the administration of computer systems, servers and network infrastructure to ensure optimal performance, security and uptime.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Planning, executing and managing IT projects, system upgrades and ensuring that the College’s technology infrastructure remains current and capable of meeting future demands.
• Collaboration with Other Departments: Working closely with academic and administrative departments to understand their specific needs and ensuring that IT resources align with institutional goals and objectives.
• Flexibility and Crisis Management: Adapting to changes in the academic calendar, emergencies or periods of peak usage. This includes ensuring IT services are maintained during critical times such as exams, deadlines or unforeseen issues.
• Security: Implementing and managing robust security protocols to protect systems, networks and data. This includes overseeing firewalls, encryption and access control measures.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a similar IT role.
• Strong analytical skills to assess both technical and institutional needs, providing optimal solutions.
• Excellent planning and decision‑making abilities with a capacity to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven experience in implementing, managing and monitoring network and computer security measures.
• A flexible professional approach to work with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience with IT procurement including the selection and purchase of hardware and software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical users.
• Extensive experience with TCP/IP networking including the management and configuration of switches, wireless access points, VLANs, DNS and DHCP.
• Solid experience in deploying and supporting server and desktop operating systems including Windows, Linux and macOS.
• Strong experience with the management of Windows Servers, Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies and practices, ideally VMware.
• Experience in administering and managing SQL database servers.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as PowerShell.
• Advanced knowledge of Ethernet and fibre optical cabling technologies.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, adjusting to diverse work situations.
• Knowledge of mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working with T‑SQL.
• Familiarity with WordPress CMS.
• Experience working with MS SharePoint and MS Teams.
• Experience in maintaining secure web services (e.g. SSL certification).
• Project management skills.
• Strong man‑management skills and experience leading an IT team.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector.

Summary

The Head of IT plays a pivotal role in ensuring the ongoing reliability, security and development of the College’s IT infrastructure. This person will be at the forefront of IT support, system management and strategic planning, ensuring all technological systems are aligned with the College’s mission and goals. The position demands flexibility, adaptability and an ability to manage multiple priorities, making it essential for the successful candidate to demonstrate both technical expertise and leadership.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following documents by the closing date of 2nd November 2025 5 pm:

• A completed Application (available through the College website via Employment Hero).
• A covering letter explaining your interest in the post and demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification.
• An up‑to‑date CV including the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. We will assume that we may approach them at any stage unless you tell us otherwise.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 11th November 2025 & Thursday 13th November 2025.

Data Protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with Lincoln College’s Privacy Policy which is available at Opportunities.

Equal Opportunities

Lincoln College is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Conduct against fellow employees and College members which is offensive or detrimental to them on grounds of age, colour, disability, ethnic origin, marital status, nationality, national origin, parental status, race, religion or belief, gender or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Other Information

The appointment will be conditional on verification of the successful candidate’s availability for employment in the UK.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a confidential medical questionnaire, which will be forwarded to our Occupational Health Department who will assess their fitness to perform this role.

Any enquiries related to these further particulars should be directed in the first instance to the HR Department.