Head of Research IT Technologies

Michael Page Technology; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Competitive salary

Job summary

Russell Group University seeks a transformative Head of Research Technology Services to shape and deliver the institution's technology strategy for world‑leading research. You will bridge the research community and IT, translating needs into a strategic roadmap of investments and initiatives.

You will lead governance across the Research IT portfolio, drive large-scale programmes, and build compelling business cases.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within Research IT or a comparable setting.
• Experience developing and implementing technology strategies aligned to organisational goals.
• Strong stakeholder management with senior academic and executive leaders.
• Experience leading large-scale programmes, portfolios or digital transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of research computing, cloud technologies, data platforms and emerging technologies.
• Commercial and financial planning capability, including investment case development.
• Excellent communication, influencing and leadership skills.
• A collaborative and innovative approach, with ability to operate in complex environments.
• Experience within a research-intensive university, with HPC exposure advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering the institution's Research Technology strategy.
• Acting as a trusted partner to academic stakeholders and research communities.
• Leading governance, prioritisation and investment decisions across the Research IT portfolio.
• Building business cases for major technology and digital transformation initiatives.
• Working with infrastructure, cyber security, applications and data teams to deliver services.
• Identifying opportunities around AI, cloud, advanced computing, digital laboratories and research platforms.
• Supporting research funding bids through technology planning and cost modelling.
• Building external partnerships with research organisations, suppliers and industry bodies.
• Managing a portfolio of programmes to enhance the researcher experience.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team with a culture of innovation.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategy development

Digital transformation

Communication

Leadership

Job description

This is a strategically important leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the University's Research Technology Services strategy. You will act as the key link between the research community and IT, ensuring technology, data and digital platforms enable world-leading research across the institution.

Client Details

Our client is a leading Russell Group university with a global reputation for research excellence and innovation. With significant investment in digital capabilities and research infrastructure, they are committed to enabling researchers through cutting-edge technology, collaborative partnerships and a clear focus on future research needs.

Description

As Head of Research Technology Services, you will lead the development and delivery of the University's research technology strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional and research objectives. You will work closely with academic leaders, faculties, researchers and senior stakeholders to understand current and future requirements and translate these into a strategic roadmap of technology investments and initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering the institution's Research Technology strategy.
• Acting as a trusted partner to academic stakeholders and research communities.
• Leading governance, prioritisation and investment decisions across the Research IT portfolio.
• Building business cases for major technology and digital transformation initiatives.
• Working across infrastructure, cyber security, applications and data teams to deliver effective services.
• Identifying opportunities around AI, cloud, advanced computing, digital laboratories and research platforms.
• Supporting research funding bids through technology planning and cost modelling.
• Building external partnerships with research organisations, suppliers and industry bodies.
• Managing a portfolio of programmes designed to enhance the researcher experience.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team whilst fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Profile

We are seeking an experienced technology leader with a track record of delivering strategy, change and stakeholder engagement within a research-intensive, higher education or similarly complex environment.

You will demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within Research IT, Digital Services or a comparable setting.
• Experience developing and implementing technology strategies aligned to organisational goals.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior academic and executive leaders.
• Experience leading large-scale programmes, portfolios or digital transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of research computing, cloud technologies, data platforms and emerging technologies.
• Commercial and financial planning capability, including investment case development.
• Excellent communication, influencing and leadership skills.
• A collaborative and innovative approach, with the ability to operate effectively in complex environments.
• Experience within a research-intensive university, alongside exposure to High Performance Computing (HPC), Research Data Management or Trusted Research Environments, would be advantageous.

Job Offer

• Opportunity to shape and influence research technology strategy at a leading institution.
• High-profile stakeholder engagement across academic and professional services communities.
• Ownership of a significant portfolio of digital and technology initiatives.
• Exposure to emerging technologies including AI, cloud and advanced research computing.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working environment.
• The opportunity to help enable world-leading research and innovation.