Interim Head of Digital Experience & Development

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Portsmouth is seeking a skilled Head of Digital Experience & Development. This role involves leading the development and implementation of strategies for digital solutions and overseeing a team that drives innovation. The successful candidate will manage resources effectively, ensure high-quality solutions delivery, and support the CRM strategy. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and includes a signing bonus, making it an attractive opportunity for those with experience in digital leadership.

Benefits

Sign on and assignment retention bonus

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in digital development and CRM.
• Proficient in managing transitions to Microsoft technologies.
• Strong understanding of Agile project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital Development and CRM Teams.
• Oversee development projects and manage resources effectively.
• Support strategic planning with business areas.

Skills

Leadership in digital development

Agile methodologies

Microsoft technologies

CRM strategy management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Overview

The Digital Experience & Development team is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the University’s digital presence across all core platforms (excluding UoP website), development of new digital solutions to create a seamless experience for both staff and students as well as leading the move to Azure Integration Services within the integrations team. The team will also be responsible for driving digital innovation that will identify technical opportunities for the University to be a HE sector leader within digital experience and transformation.

Role

The Head of Digital Experience & Development will lead on the development and implementation of a strategy and roadmap for all solutions development and core IS systems support across both on-premise and cloud services which adheres to excellence in service delivery, user experience, security, accessibility and information governance standards. The postholder will also be responsible for the CRM strategy and roadmap, taking into account the strategic ambitions of the university and the importance of the CRM system in its growth. You will oversee all developments and ensure a planned pipeline of change and business as usual work is balanced and successfully delivered that meets the need of a broad array of end users.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the Digital Development and CRM Teams, leading the teams in managing a transition to new Microsoft technologies, new tools and new Agile ways of working, delivering key development projects, supporting business as usual change as well as supporting a roadmap of legacy applications which will require decommissioning or rebuilding in new technologies.
• The post holder is a key point of contact for all digital development across the University, including supporting any related major University projects and in strategic planning with business areas. This includes being responsible for managing resources effectively, liaising with project managers and business stakeholders to ensure that objectives can be met without compromising services to staff and students and enable high quality solutions to be developed and maintained.
• They will also play a key role within the IS and Digital Solutions & Delivery management teams.

Contract and Location

This appointment is a fixed term contract of 10 months or until 27 November 2026. The offer is to include a “sign on and assignment retention bonus” of £6,250, which is based on a 10 month contract. If the duration of the contract is less than 10 months, this amount will be reduced on a pro-rata basis and will be paid on completion and at the end of the fixed term contract. Please note the £6,250 will be subject to Tax and National insurance contributions.

Working Arrangements

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role. The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 06 January 2026. If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Vicky Gosling at [e-mail]