Fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Head of IT Operations Centre, to join out IT team delivering key services to the University.
We have a team of around 170 professionals, delivering key services to the University, including network and systems management, systems development, technical and user support, enterprise architecture, cyber security, project delivery.
Working across the University we are enabling the Strategy 2030 ambitions to be digitally agile, technology enabled and future focused. As part of this we are transforming the University’s IT landscape, with a clear enterprise architecture, along with supporting standards, principles and practices.
As we establish a new operating model within IT Services designed to both improve ways of working and support the transition to a hybrid cloud model (Azure, On-Premise and SaaS) we are forming a new Operations Centre practice. The practice of c12-15 staff will focus on the day-to-day operational management, support, monitoring and maintenance of the University’s IT infrastructure and systems.
About you
To effectively establish and run the Operations Centre practice, you’ll require strong IT operational and technical management skills and experience, as well as being an influential leader able to build, develop and lead teams, in larger organisations. A primary objective will be keeping the lights on, ensuring maximum levels of availability, security and performance. As such, you will: -
- be able to perform effectively in a dynamic operational environment, ensuring the team is delivering against agreed objectives and priorities whilst being able to respond quickly to any incidents that may occur
- have a strong technical background to enable you to engage with the team, consult on projects, provide strategic operational input and lead on technical problem resolution
- have a passion for maintaining high levels of service and really love seeing green across the dashboards!
- understand the importance of automation and have experience in identifying and streamlining repetitive tasks and workloads.
- have a proven track record of engaging with senior stakeholders, customers and suppliers in the delivery and support of technology-based services
- be an excellent collaborator, negotiator and problem solver, with solid analytical skills
- be able to interpret data and communicate findings to a wide range of stakeholders, to support effective decision-making
- embrace continual change as new digital technologies and ways or working are adopted and evolved
- manage a team of technical operations specialists, ensuring they are fully supported and able to deliver a successful service.
- operate strategically as part of the IT Operations management team and IT Services senior management team, to help set departmental objectives, and work with peers to drive continuous improvement.
Where is this role based?
This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed, while we continue to develop incredible new facilities to enhance our offer even further.
The campus has excellent transport links; we are within walking distance of two train stations, our bus terminus connects us to the local bus and metrobus network and we also have a range of cycling and changing facilities.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 32,000 students, 250,000 alumni and 4,000 staff from across the globe. We are both globally connected and regionally embedded, with a strong network of employer and partner connections.
We have a lot to be proud of at UWE, our achievements include scoring above sector average for student satisfaction, we are ranked 24th in The Guardian Best UK Universities 2023 and 39th in the latest Times Higher Education 'Table of Tables'.
We are an ambitious and values led university. We're focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise and we are looking for people who share our core values to help us achieve those aims.
With inclusivity as a core value, UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We support and celebrate the diversity of our staff and students as a key driver for innovation and success, promoting pathways and achievements to inspire and generate confidence and ambition.
In addition to progressive pay rates, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including:
- a generous holiday allowance of 27 days
- up to 12.5 bank holiday/closure days per year
- hybrid working
- career average pension schemes available for all staff groups
- access to employee assistance programme
- 1st month free to our Centre for Sport facilities for all new starters
- family friendly policies and wellbeing initiatives
- onsite nursery at our Frenchay Campus
- option to participate in the cycle to work scheme
- access to a wide variety of in-house training courses and development programmes
Add your individuality to ours
Proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always on the lookout for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing staff community of over 4,000 individuals and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive. Add your individuality to ours to help set us apart.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Multiple Heritage or Other Minority Ethnic candidates as we are currently under-represented in these areas within UWE Bristol however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
Further information
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Alistair Sandford via email: alistair.sandford@uwe.ac.uk
This post is a permanent full-time, working 37 hours per week.
As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.
The University’s normal practice is that new appointments will be made at the starting point of the grade.
We may able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible to be sponsored under the criteria.
Please also refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist which provides details of which documents are acceptable to prove your right to work in the UK. Should you be shortlisted you will be asked to produce your right to work documents at your interview.
Please note that UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.