Head of Information Technology

We are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic technical expert with extensive experience managing a small but complex IT environment.

• To take responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of a robust IT Service to meet the needs of The Courtauld.
• To lead the development and execution of the Information Technology strategy, including clear prioritisation of critical elements, in support of, and underpinning, the organisational strategy and business plan.
• To be the Subject Matter Expert on existing and emerging technologies.

• Provide an excellent and accessible Information Technology service to staff, students, and visitors in all locations where we have a presence.
• Ensure that core information systems and services are delivered reliably and to expected standards.
• Establish and monitor appropriate processes, mechanisms and Service Level Agreements to ensure service delivery alignment, including liaison with key process owners.
• Lead effective communications with user groups through seeking feedback, working collaboratively, and transmitting information about innovations or service problems in a timely and professional manner.
• Conduct user satisfaction surveys and produce reports based on these, along with regular reports against agreed KPI's with breaches and mitigations.
• Support the team by taking a direct and "hands-on" role in resolving IT issues, which are adversely affecting service users' ability to undertake their roles.
• Maintain a strong awareness of technology that will assist key learning, teaching and research and public engagement strategies.

Security

• Take responsibility and lead on all aspects of the IT security, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and ensure appropriate testing to an agreed schedule and format.
• Ensure robust processes are in place to monitor and manage security threats.
• Carry out regular audits of the system to ensure defences are adequate and remediate where necessary.
• Drive best practice regarding Cyber Security amongst the IT Team and throughout the Institute.
• Ensure IT Security documentation is regularly reviewed and kept up to date.
• Work with established organisations such as NCSC, JISC, etc, to keep up to date with security threat factors.

People

• Lead, manage and develop the Information Technology team and create a positive working environment, providing individuals with clear objectives, ensuring supervision of professional standards and competence, and effectively managing performance.
• Have the skills and experience to be the senior technical subject matter expert for the Institute.
• Strategic Technical Advisor for the Senior Management Team and Governing Board.

Finance and Procurement

• Prepare, manage and monitor the IT budget.
• Identify appropriate suppliers and partners for the delivery of specified applications and services.
• Manage the purchase, installation and implementation of all new hardware, software and network products within agreed budgets, investment appraisal and time scales.
• Maintain transparent systems for the purchase and provision of all hardware, software, devices and internal systems used by The Courtauld.

Transformation

• Drive business transformation and achieve increased operational efficiency, value for money, and proven financial effectiveness by improving information systems, system integration and process automation, and enhancing management information, business intelligence and analytics.
• Undertake and deliver specific investigations, scoping exercises, and strategic projects as identified by the Senior Management Team.
• Ensure that all projects and programmes are managed, are in line with best practice and that projects are delivered on time and to key milestones.
• Advise the Senior Management Team on the definition of key performance indicators and initiate opportunities to take management action and improve performance.

Governance

• Ensure that all operations are carried out within relevant Health and Safety legislation and that staff work within The Courtauld's Health and Safety policy.
• Support Governance in establishing and maintaining a robust Data Management Framework

Other

• Carry out any other duties determined appropriate by the Chief Operating Officer