About the College/Department
Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for providing the digital platform to enable the best possible service to staff, students and stakeholders across the University and beyond. We take a collaborative approach to developing strategic goals to provide a diverse range of information technology and business services designed to support learning, teaching and research at the University of Derby.
Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for ensuring that the University's IT capability is fit for purpose, future focused and able to protect, support and enhance the full breadth of services that will be delivered either on campus or digitally online with contributions across the department.
We aim to assist students, teaching staff, support departments and collaborative partners to ensure we are making an impact on the University's current and future digital landscape.
About the Role
As part of an innovative team delivering modern digital solutions, the Lead Systems Administrator provides comprehensive functional and operational support for the University's enterprise and teaching & learning systems.
Responsibilities
* Ensure the performance, reliability and security of a diverse systems portfolio, including applications and a growing suite of cloud‑based platforms such as Blackboard, Oracle Finance, HR systems, Library, Timetable, Academic Tools, ProSuite, Hall systems, SharePoint and Power Platform.
* Lead the end‑to‑end release management lifecycle – planning, coordinating and executing upgrades and updates across production and non‑production environments.
* Collaborate with functional Subject Matter Experts to research and implement new features and fixes, ensuring continuous improvement and successful delivery of enhancements.
* Support the procurement, development and maintenance of corporate and academic applications that underpin teaching, learning and operational excellence.
* Drive a culture of continuous service improvement and digital transformation, exploring emerging technologies to enhance student and staff services and optimise the University's digital ecosystem.
Qualifications
* Experience of implementing innovative solutions that are customer and future focused, and significant experience of managing a large and complex solutions landscape.
* Own the strategic direction and governance of system upgrades, patches and deployments, ensuring supplier roadmaps are proactively shaped and embedded within long‑term Digital Solutions & Services planning.
* Demonstrated proficiency in the administration, implementation and maintenance of global integrated enterprise and academic solutions.
* Drive cross‑functional alignment and change leadership, orchestrating stakeholder engagement to deliver seamless transitions with minimal business disruption.
* Deep understanding of application lifecycle management and the management of multiple enterprise applications.
* Ability to deliver within tight deadlines in a demanding environment, with attention to detail and a determination for excellence.
* Strives for continuous improvement and encourages innovation.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
* Access to a variety of staff discounts at high‑street retailers.
* Discounted onsite gym.
* Holiday purchase.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Flexible working.
Contact
Key Contact – for further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Nick Hinckley, Associate Director Digital Solutions & Services via n.hinckley@derby.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.
Important Information – This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University. However, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI, including the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). If the role is eligible but the offered salary is less than the going rate, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:
* Your job is on the Immigration Skills List.
* You are under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training.
* You have a PhD level qualification that is relevant to your job.
* You have a post‑doctoral position in science or higher education.
Note: The University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered. For more information, visit our website.
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