Interim Head of Digital Platforms & Application Development

Ecruit; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Portsmouth is seeking an Interim Head of Digital Platforms & Application Development to lead digital development and implement a CRM strategy. This role oversees teams and ensures balanced project delivery, with a focus on user experience and innovation. The position offers a competitive salary of £64,475 - £73,718 with a sign-on bonus and flexibility for hybrid working. Join an institution that's committed to excellence in digital transformation.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Staff discounts and loyalty schemes

Excellent training and development opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in leading digital development teams.
• Experience with CRM systems and digital solutions.
• Strong understanding of user experience and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital Experience & Development team.
• Manage the Digital Development and CRM teams.
• Coordinate with IS and Digital Solutions & Delivery management.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Agile methodologies

Microsoft technologies

Job description

Interim Head of Digital Platforms & Application Development (Internal title: Head of Digital Experience & Development)

£64,475 - £73,718 per annum (£58,225 - £67,468 per annum salary, plus £6,250 sign on and assignment retention bonus).

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

The Role

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), building new digital solutions to create a seamless experience for both staff and students, and leading the move to Azure Integration Services within the integrations team. The team will also drive digital innovation that identifies technical opportunities for the University to be a HE sector leader in digital experience and transformation.

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, ensuring 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 to meet the needs of a broad array of end users. As a key point of contact for all digital development across the University, you will support any related major University projects, manage resources effectively, and liaise with project managers and business stakeholders to ensure objectives can be met without compromising services to staff and students.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the Digital Development and CRM Teams, leading the transition to new Microsoft technologies, new tools and Agile ways of working.
• Delivering key development projects, supporting business‑as‑usual change and supporting a roadmap of legacy applications that require decommissioning or rebuilding in new technologies.
• Co‑ordinating with IS and Digital Solutions & Delivery management teams.
• Planning and managing the IT resources and budgets.

This appointment is a fixed‑term contract of 10 months (or until 27 November 2026). It includes a £6,250 sign‑on and assignment retention bonus (tax and National Insurance contributions apply).

The role is based in Portsmouth a few days a week; hybrid working is available.

Internal candidates may apply under the Secondment Policy; obtain line‑manager approval before applying.

Employer: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL).

Benefits

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family‑friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start‑up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.

UKVI Statement.

For questions, contact Vicky Gosling at [e-mail].