IT and Digital Services Manager

Hire Top Talent; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

hire top talent is seeking an experienced IT and Digital Services Manager to lead the strategic development, delivery and continuous improvement of IT services, digital infrastructure, and information governance across the organisation.

In this role you will drive an effective IT strategy, ensure secure, reliable and innovative technology that supports teaching, student experience and operations, and oversee cybersecurity, data protection and enterprise systems within a higher education context.

Qualifications

• Experience leading IT and digital services in complex organisations.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection compliance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT and digital strategies aligned with priorities.
• Oversee IT operations, service delivery and system availability.
• Manage infrastructure, cloud services and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Lead cybersecurity strategy, risk management and incident response.
• Oversee enterprise systems, integrations and data governance.

Skills

IT leadership

Strategic planning

Operational management

Cybersecurity

Cloud & Microsoft 365

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Computing

Tools

Microsoft 365

Cloud services

Cybersecurity frameworks

Job description

IT and Digital Services Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking IT and Digital Services Manager to lead the strategic development, operational delivery and continuous improvement of IT services, digital infrastructure, business systems, information security and digital transformation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering an effective IT and Digital Strategy, ensuring technology services provide a secure, reliable and innovative environment that supports teaching, learning, student experience and organisational operations.

As the lead for IT governance, cybersecurity, information management, data protection and technology infrastructure, you will ensure compliance with relevant legislation, GDPR, Cyber Essentials requirements and recognised best practices within the higher education sector.

Working closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to enhance organisational performance through technology investment, process automation, digital innovation and continuous service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Governance: Develop and implement IT and digital strategies aligned with organisational priorities and long-term objectives.
• IT Operations and Service Delivery: Oversee IT support services, service standards, system availability and continuous improvement.
• Infrastructure, Cloud and Microsoft 365: Manage and develop IT infrastructure, cloud services, networks and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance: Lead cybersecurity strategy, risk management, security controls and incident response.
• Enterprise Systems and Applications: Oversee business-critical systems, applications, integrations and technology platforms.
• Data Governance and Management Information: Ensure effective data management, reporting, information governance and compliance with data protection legislation.
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Maintain appropriate continuity plans, backup arrangements and disaster recovery procedures.
• Procurement, Supplier and Contract Management: Manage technology procurement, supplier relationships, service agreements and budgets.
• Leadership and People Management: Lead, support and develop IT teams, promoting accountability, collaboration and professional development.
• Higher Education Responsibilities: Ensure technology services effectively support academic delivery, student services, institutional administration and the wider higher education environment.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong IT leadership, strategic planning and operational management capabilities, alongside a thorough understanding of cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, information governance and enterprise systems.

They should possess excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to delivering secure, effective and user-focused technology services.

Experience in higher education or a similarly complex organisation, together with knowledge of GDPR, Cyber Essentials, cloud technologies and digital transformation, would be advantageous.

Application Deadline

12:00 noon on Monday 16 November 2026