Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

We have a vacancy for a Head of Higher Education in Development, on an indefinite basis.

The role leads an embedded and connected digital enabling function operating across the ISM programme and pathway structure. The function provides specialist programme-wide capability supporting systems integration, operational coordination, digitally enabled delivery and insight-informed working across pathways.

The role works in close partnership with the SRO and programme pathway leads, as well as the management and delivery function to support integrated planning, operational coordination and delivery effectiveness across the programme lifecycle.

The role also works closely with the organisation’s Digital and Technology (D&T) function, alongside enterprise and programme digital product owners, to support effective governance, integration and operational coordination across the ISM digital environment.

The role provides essential, specialist digital leadership and coordination across programme systems, operational delivery and participant-facing digital infrastructure, supporting integrated and insight-informed delivery across the ISM programme environment.

You will provide strategic leadership for the programme’s embedded digital enabling function, supporting integrated programme and pathway delivery through effective digital coordination, systems integration, operational consistency and data-informed working.

You will lead the programme application and operational coordination of enterprise and programme-specific digital systems and participant data environments, ensuring effective governance, usability, alignment and continuous improvement across the ISM digital ecosystem.

Accountabilities are, but not limited to:

Strategy, Integration and Digital Delivery

• Lead the strategic development, integration and continuous improvement of digital systems, platforms and operational workflows across the ISM lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain an integrated digital operating model supporting effective programme and pathway delivery, operational efficiency, scalability and digitally enable participant engagement.
• Oversee complex digital delivery and systems integration activity across the programme environment, ensuring effective coordination, implementation oversight and operational alignment across multiple stakeholders and delivery teams.

Governance and Operational Coordination

• Act as the programme’s senior interface with D&T, enterprise and programme digital product owners, pathway leads and corporate functions, supporting effective governance, alignment and programme application of digital systems.
• Work closely with ISM pathway and programme teams to support integrated and sustainable digital delivery practices across programme operations, supporting coordination and consistency across programme systems, workflows, reporting processes and participant-facing digital activity.
• Ensure programme digital activity aligns with organisational standards relating to accessibility, safeguarding, data protection, cyber security and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Reporting, Insight and Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Programme Management & Delivery and MEL colleagues to support coherent approaches to programme reporting, operational performance measurement and participant insight across the ISM environment.
• Support the effective coordination and use of programme reporting systems, participant data environments and digital reporting tools to strengthen operational visibility and programme delivery.
• Promote the effective use of operational data, engagement insight and delivery reporting to support continuous improvement across programme delivery activity.

Leadership and Management

• Lead and develop the ISM digital systems and delivery team, establishing effective ways of working and a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Provide specialist advice and leadership across programme and pathway teams on digital systems, operational integration, implementation planning and digitally enabled delivery.
• Contribute to wider programme planning, operational coordination and cross-functional working across the ISM programme structure.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience leading complex digital delivery, systems integration or operational transformation activity across multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience overseeing or implementing integrated digital platforms, CRM systems or participant-facing digital ecosystems which support programme delivery, engagement, reporting and operational insight.
• Strong understanding of how digital systems, workflows and data processes support operational delivery, participant experience, programme effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Experience working across programme, marketing, digital, data and operational functions to align delivery approaches, governance and system application.
• Experience supporting the implementation, optimisation or governance of digital products and platforms within large or matrixed organisations.
• Ability to translate operational and programme requirements into effective digital processes, systems approaches and user-focused solutions.
• Experience leading teams and managing delivery within complex operational environments.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and coordination skills.

Important Information:

Department: Education - Cultural Engagement.

Contract type: Indefinite.
Pay band: SMP-S

Salary: £55,699 - £68,649 per annum. Plus £3,300 London Market Allowance if you are based in the London area only.

Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to:

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays

• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme

Location of the role: UK ONLY – London, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast.

Closing Date Thursday 23rd July 2026 at 23:59 UK time.

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the countries that are listed, at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

Interviews are planned for the week commencing 3rd August 2026.