Assistant Director - Digital Planning & Development role at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
Overview
Cardiff University is seeking an Assistant Director (Digital Planning & Delivery) to provide strategic leadership on development, delivery and implementation for a new Digital & Delivery team within University IT. This role will work within the University IT leadership team alongside Infrastructure, Solutions and Service Operations to create the new Planning & Delivery team. The team will support demand management, workload and divisional delivery, and will support operational and strategic delivery across the department. The post holder will provide strategic leadership on the development, delivery and implementation of the Planning and Delivery team, with responsibilities including:
* Oversee, deliver, communicate and enable end-user involvement for higher‑level IT/digital projects and programmes agreed, including delivery of the Digital Plan;
* Financial planning and effective management of budgets;
* Provide operational demand and resource management;
* Effective internal communication of divisional activity, strategic engagement with colleges, schools and professional services;
* Governance and assurance for the department, including divisional risk, audits and mitigation actions.
Ensure that team services are developed and delivered in line with the University’s strategic aims and objectives while ensuring high availability, sustainability, innovation and security, delivering value to the University.
What we offer
Cardiff University offers a range of generous benefits, including a competitive salary, 37 days annual leave and a generous pension scheme. See https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs/what-we-can-offer for more information.
Role purpose
The post holder is responsible for providing strategic leadership for how the Digital Planning & Delivery team develops, delivers and operates. They will be accountable within the University IT department for the following areas:
* Lead, drive and manage the performance of the Digital Planning & Delivery Team to deliver high‑quality professional services aligned to agreed standards and customer focus.
* Ensure the Planning & Delivery Team has access to appropriate resources (hardware, software and people) and manage resource allocation in a financially sustainable way.
* Review services provided to customers to ensure they meet agreed requirements and service levels, engaging stakeholders and reporting on improvements as needed; use data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
* Develop relationships across the Senior Leadership Team and with peers in Professional Services to ensure ICT solutions support academic and administrative functions.
* Represent ICT services and the University in internal and external forums and build relationships with key technology suppliers and partners.
* Develop and maintain governance structures and processes to govern programmes, projects, demand, resource management, risk management and audit activities.
Seniorities and terms
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Business Development and Delivery (with a focus on Digital / IT services)
* Industries: Higher Education
Gwybodaeth, Sgiliau a Phrofiad Angenrheidiol
Required: Relevant degree or professional qualification with substantial experience in a similar role and a track record of keeping skills up to date. Ideally, experience of delivering change using structured methodologies such as Prince2, MSP or similar.
Ability to demonstrate broad knowledge of ICT including governance, enabling and developing technology and service management (ITIL). Significant experience in senior‑level ICT management with a track record of innovation and delivery within a large and complex organisation; ideally in higher education. Proven experience in developing and implementing ICT strategies and execution plans.
High professional knowledge and current practice in ICT management and experience of creating a high‑performing ICT culture. Strategic vision and understanding of technology governance factors shaping the development of ICT services in the future and how this adds value to changing research, teaching and support services.
Strong track record of resource management (financial and non‑financial) and risk management. Evidence of stakeholder engagement and leadership in change initiatives.
Personal attributes: strategic thinker and innovative leader, with strong operational management capability; mature interpersonal skills and the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels; confident communication (oral and written); resilience, adaptability under pressure and strong problem‑solving capabilities; ability to build influential networks and collaborative working across internal and external partners.
National and internal contacts
* Internal: Chief Operating Officer (ICT) – Line Manager; Chief Digital & Information Officer – Deputy Line Manager; Transformation Programme Office; University IT leadership and governance groups; College and School leadership; Business partners across Professional Services; University staff and students.
* External: Russell Group IT service management forums; education technology partners and suppliers; professional bodies and regulators where relevant.
Diben y Swydd
Fully funded, permanent role with salary: £76,188 per year (SENST)
Autumn 2025 deadlines
Recruitment is ongoing; closing date information is provided in the current advert on the Cardiff University jobs site.
Cydraddoldeb a Gwladoldeb
Cardiff University is committed to equality, diversity and an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We support flexible working and consider part‑time or job‑share arrangements where possible. Applications may be submitted in Welsh or English; Welsh language applications will not be treated less favourably.
Contacts
This refined description excludes external job feed content and focuses on the role, responsibilities and qualifications as originally described.
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