Director of Technology Services

The opportunity

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a world-leading creative University for teaching and research in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts. UAL is made up of six renowned colleges and hosts several centres and institutes that further the University’s mission and social purpose, through the students and ideas we send out into the world and the partnerships we build to achieve social, environmental, and economic progress.

Digital & Technology provides a strategic and transformational University-wide approach, designing and delivering services to enable learning and teaching, research, and innovation, with a focus on continuously improving the student and staff experiences.

The Director of Technology Services is a pivotal role for Digital & Technology, working in partnership with the Chief Digital Officer and wider Senior Leadership Team, responsible for driving credibility with the business, and shaping the future technology landscape across our core infrastructure, AV, service management and cybersecurity.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact and change the way UAL operates, providing leadership and guidance to the Technology team, along with bringing innovative ideas to enhance the foundations for the Technology, guiding our strategy and delivery.

In recent years, we have made significant investment across our network infrastructure, telephony, cybersecurity capability and AV to ensure we are enabling our students, academics and professional staff. Looking forward, the successful candidate will have oversight of key investment areas including hosting and storage and identity management, as well as working in partnership with the wider team on areas such as Data and AI.

The role has functional oversight for more than 100 team members, and you will foster an open and inclusive, high-performance culture, identifying opportunities to improve our ways of working and multi-disciplinary approach to deliver continuous improvement of our foundational services.

Your profile

The successful candidate will possess a strong background in senior IT management, with demonstrated experience in delivering operational services across complex environments.

They must have a proven track record in driving, leading, and managing high-performing teams, along with demonstrable experience in driving and championing new ways of working at scale.

This role requires extensive experience working collaboratively with senior leadership colleagues to achieve a common strategic vision, complemented by excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues at all organizational levels.

Experience working within a Higher Education environment is desirable but not essential.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.