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Head of Service Management Office, Oxford
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Client:
University of Oxford
Location:
Oxford, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
b846ee177efa
Job Views:
6
Posted:
29.06.2025
Expiry Date:
13.08.2025
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Job Description:
Dartington House, 55 Little Clarendon St, Oxford OX1 2HS Head of Service Management Office Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challengesfrom advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. The Digital Governance Unit (DGU) is a newly established function within the University, created to support the effective coordination, alignment, and governance of digital services across the institution. It plays a key role in supporting the University’s transition to a business-led, portfolio-based model for digital delivery, working across five key areas: Education, Research, Administration, Engagement & Dissemination, and Technology. The DGU brings together expertise in service management, digital assurance, and strategic coordination. It provides guidance, frameworks, and support to ensure that digital services are consistently aligned with University priorities, deliver value, and meet required standards. It also plays a facilitative role, helping different parts of the University work together more effectively on shared digital challenges and opportunities. As part of this unit, the Head of the Service Management Office will contribute to embedding good practice, enhancing service performance, and supporting a culture of continual improvement across the University’s digital services. This is an exciting opportunity for a Head of Service Management to join us on a permanent basis. Are you an experienced service management leader ready to shape the future of digital services at one of the world’s leading universities? What We OfferWorking at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
1. 38 days of annual leave to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service
2. One of the most generous maternity and adoption leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay leave, followed by additional statutory and unpaid leave options
3. A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle
4. An excellent contributory pension scheme
5. Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans
6. Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the RoleThe University of Oxford is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of the Service Management Office (SMO) to join our newly established Digital Governance Unit (DGU). In this pivotal role, you will report to the Director of Digital Assurance and lead the SMO in delivering high-quality, value-driven service management across our central IT service providers. You’ll work at the heart of a transformative period for digital services, helping the University navigate the shift to a business-led, portfolio-driven digital delivery model. This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategy, policy, and operational landscape of service management at an institution renowned for excellence. About YouWe are looking for someone with:
7. Proven leadership experience in service management and digital assurance, ideally within a complex or devolved organisation.
8. A deep understanding of ITIL and service delivery frameworks, with the ability to champion best practices and agile thinking.
9. A track record of successful strategy and policy development, service performance enhancement, and stakeholder engagement.
10. Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to act as a trusted advisor at all levels.
11. The ability to lead through change, motivating and developing a small, high-performing team.
12. Experience with product-oriented delivery and familiarity with governance and assurance frameworks.
Whilst this role is being advertised as a full-time role based in our central Oxford offices, we would consider applications from applicants at 0.8FTE and we’re happy to support hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week on site. Application Process
13. A covering letter/supporting statement
14. Your CV
15. The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 17 July. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 29 July and will be held in personin central Oxford. #J-18808-Ljbffr