Appointment of the Deputy Director of Digital Technologies

Nottingham Trent University

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Welcome

Thank you for your interest in joining Nottingham Trent University, as we strive to be the most digitally sophisticated university in the country. I am delighted to share the details of our Deputy Director of Digital Technologies, a key leadership position in the organisation.

The Higher Education sector is transforming, digital technologies play a huge part in both student experience and campus efficiencies and NTU is at the forefront of this growth. We have 5 campuses, 40,000 students and over 3000 colleagues to support with digital transformation.

Effective technology and quality data are fundamental to delivering our strategy. From the security and communication networks that will enable our campuses to operate effectively through to the business transformation potential of AI, the work of our Digital Technologies team is at the heart of how we support our students and colleagues.

Our digital sophistication ambition has four pillars and this role is key to them all. How do we enable everybody to have the digital confidence to make the most of the tools we provide, stay safe and secure and embrace how technology can help them? How do we ensure our users are at the heart of everything we do, from great customer service to co-creating new systems, all underpinned by strong user research? How do we work differently to embrace more agile working, challenge the norm and be more efficient? And finally, the transformation programme to enable that digital sophistication, from data to timetabling, we have an ambitious well funded capital programme of tech change.

Our new Deputy Director of Digital Technologies will be motivated by driving the best operational process to support our users, developing and empowering people, fostering trust and open communication and building a high performing and collaborative team culture. They will have a passion for technology and a vision for how technology can support and enable change and growth. And they will be excited by the opportunity to work at one of the largest, vibrant and innovative universities in the country.

If this sounds like you, please contact our search partners (details below) for a confidential conversation. We are very keen to hear from a diverse range of candidates. Thank you again for your interest in NTU.

Amanda Neylon
Director of Digital Technologies

About us

With over 40,000 students and staff spanning five university sites, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is one of the largest and most influential higher education institutions in the country and the 5th largest university in terms of enrolled students overall (HESA 2022-23). We have the highest headcount of students with a declared disability in the UK (HESA 2022-23*) and in 2024-25, 37% of our students are from an ethnically diverse background.

We are committed to driving forward meaningful change and have received a wide range of prestigious awards for our research, dynamism, and innovation. We are proud to be recognised as a university that opens its arms to all. We were among the first to sign up to the Government’s social mobility pledge, University Mental Health Charter and Disabled Student Commitment, demonstrating our focus on improving the prospects of young people. We are also passionate about fostering local talent, with over a third of our students from the East Midlands. *Excluding the Open University

Be part of something special

NTU has been awarded as ‘University of the Year’ award in five of the last six years: The Times and The Sunday Times ‘Modern University of the Year’ 2018, and more recently The Times and The Sunday Times ‘Modern University of the Year’ 2023.

  • We are recognised as one of the world’s top universities for sustainability, ranking 2nd in the UI GreenMetric World Rankings 2023.
  • Over the past two years, NTU has helped local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions by 950 tonnes – the equivalent of 80 double-decker buses.
  • 83% of NTU’s research activity is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
  • NTU research gained royal recognition in 2021 with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize: the highest national honour for a UK university. 25% of our students come from households with a combined income of £15,000 or less, and we were the first university to sign up to the Government’s social mobility pledge, demonstrating our commitment to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • We have been awarded Gold for teaching in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment. Our Gold rating means that, typically, the student experience at NTU, and the outcomes it leads to are outstanding.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Nottingham Trent University is committed to sustaining an inclusive learning and working environment, which is enriched by diversity, values differences and promotes fairness, respect and equality of opportunity.

We work strategically to advance equality, diversity and inclusion, and to support a culture of engagement underpinned by respect. The work we undertake is evidence based and data informed.

  • Equality charters and awards
    • Athena SWAN – NTU is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award. Athena SWAN is a charter managed by AdvanceHE which recognises and celebrates good practices in higher education and research institutions towards the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.
    • Race Equality Charter – NTU prides itself on making strides towards creating an inclusive culture and environment where all our colleagues and students can thrive and reach their full potential. Find out more about our Race Equality Charter Action Plan.
    • Stonewall (LGBT+) – Committed in our aim to be a progressive, inclusive and diverse employer – we support and promote LGBT+ inclusion at NTU. NTU is proud to be a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
    • Disability confident employer – NTU is ‘Disability Confident Committed’ under the government’s Disability Confident employer scheme. This means that we are dedicated to finding ways to develop our supportive and inclusive practice for colleagues who identify as disabled, and how we celebrate our diverse colleague community.

Campuses

We have a number of University sites across Nottingham and the UK – from our vibrant City Campus in the bustling heart of Nottingham to the idyllic countryside estate of Brackenhurst, and further afield to our newest campus in London. We are continually investing in our grounds, buildings and facilities to create a stimulating and inclusive learning environment for all to experience and enjoy.

  • City Campus – From stunning architecture to an award-winning Student’s Union, the City Campus is the beating heart of NTU.
  • Clifton Campus – Living and learning in Clifton? Here’s what you need to know about the campus that’s truly got a life of its own.
  • Brackenhurst Campus – Located on a 500 acre site of fields, woodlands and water, our Brackenhurst campus is truly breath-taking.
  • London Campus – Our London Campus is based in trendy Whitechapel – a global capital of the creative industries and world-class centre for music, esports, events and media.
  • Mansfield Hub – One of the newest additions to the NTU family, Mansfield Hub offers exciting opportunities for people and businesses in Mansfield and beyond.

Academic Schools

Our eight Academic Schools and NTU’s dedicated Mansfield Hub — provide a student experience like no other. Each School has its own sense of community and character, built on enthusiasm, expertise, opportunities, and award-winning support.

  • Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences – Learn about the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences – a vibrant and friendly community striving for a more sustainable future.
  • Architecture, Design and the Built Environment – We make, create, design and build. We’re planners and problem solvers. We draw lines, and we break boundaries. We’re a provider of industry-accredited learning; a worldwide centre for professional connections; and a hub for some of the UK’s most exciting collaborations and research projects.
  • Arts and Humanities – Learn about the School of Arts and Humanities, a diverse and supportive community that focuses on exploring the importance of languages, histories, and global cultures.
  • Nottingham Business School – At Nottingham Business School we aim to provide a challenging, hands-on and rewarding educational experience in a world class environment. Our mission is to provide education and research in business, management and economics that combines academic excellence with impact.
  • Nottingham Law School – We are one of the UK’s largest and most established law schools. Delivering first-class teaching, fantastic facilities and flexible courses, we support legal professionals at every stage of their careers.
  • Nottingham School of Art & Design – We are one of the world’s leading art and design schools and we have been influencing, inspiring and innovating for over 175 years. We are guided by our past, focused on our future, and proud to be shaping what comes next.
  • Science and Technology – Study or work with the School of Science and Technology in an environment that is inspiring, innovative and relevant to business and society. Our students leave us inspired by what they have learned, proud of their achievements and believing they have had the ideal preparation for their future lives and careers.
  • Social Sciences – The School of Social Sciences is characterised by our diversity and dynamism; the scope and standards of our courses; our globally acclaimed research; and our reputation for producing well-trained, highly skilled graduates.

Our City

Nottingham is a place where big-city life meets a relaxed vibe, and dynamic culture. From peaceful parks to big nights, Nottingham’s streets always urge you to try something new. The city of Nottingham is full of cultural attractions and is home to some of the best art galleries, music venues, museums and cinemas in the UK. It’s a city that embraces individuality.

Combining an outstanding mix of city with countryside, this spectacular region boasts a £12.1 billion economy with £1 billion of that currently being spent on bringing our transport and business infrastructure up to a world-class standard. Speedy tram and rail links take you to a multitude of UK destinations, while the East Midlands airport means that you can be in a European city within a couple of hours.

Choosing a destination for a new home is not just about the culture and transport options, it has to provide you with a good quality of day-today life. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, property across the city stretches from airy loft conversions in the city’s historic Lace Market, to modern riverside apartments. For a family-friendly area, West Bridgford, Mapperley or Beeston might suit your needs, or perhaps one of the gothic Victorian mansions in the Park Estate.

Nottingham is the perfect setting for an exciting new opportunity. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nottingham and see why it makes the perfect home.

University Reimagined

Strategic Purpose

University Reimagined was developed in partnership with our colleagues, students and stakeholders. It articulates our ambitions across six key themes — written from the perspective of 2025 and looking back on what we have achieved.

Creating Opportunity:
We have pursued personalisation of student experience above and beyond expectations. Every student has the potential to develop the knowledge, skills and resilience they seek to create meaning and purpose in their lives. Our global community of lifelong learners has access to flexible courses of equal quality to our celebrated campus provision. The University’s delivery of social mobility through parity of outcomes has bestowed international recognition.

Valuing Ideas:
We have defined, resourced, and promoted a compelling portfolio of world-class research and innovation. We have created new ways for collaborators to share in the spirit of creativity and curiosity that characterises our research, scholarship, and practice.

Enriching Society:
NTU is a widely acknowledged force for good in economic, social and cultural development. We collaborate with those who like us want to address the key challenges of our times and our places.

Embracing Sustainability:
NTU has curated an intergenerational conversation with our students, colleagues, and stakeholders; we are recognised to be the most socially, economically and environmentally responsible University in the UK.

Connecting Globally:
We have gained renown for our truly global perspective. We are not restricted by borders or boundaries and work together to deepen and share our insights and understanding of our world for the benefit of the planet and all its inhabitants.

Empowering People:
Distinctive and disruptive, we have empowered people to do the right thing. We have been bold in pursuing novel solutions and taking unfamiliar routes.

The role

Deputy Director of Digital Technologies (AQ3123)

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Post title: Deputy Director of Digital Technologies
School or Department: Digital Technologies
Date created: August 2024
Grade: Management Grade 3?
Hours per week: 37
Immediate line manager: Director of Digital Technologies
Title & Grade of posts line managed by postholder: Direct Line management of Head of Digital Academic Services, Head of Technology Service Delivery, Head of Digital Infrastructure, Head of Corporate Applications and Head of Software Development. (All Grade PM2)

Job purpose:

The Deputy Director of Digital Technologies is a key role within Digital Technologies, forming part of the DT senior leadership and working with the wider University Leadership Team, to define and deliver the strategy for NTU  

With responsibility for both operational leadership and change delivery teams, the postholder will lead a strategic approach to technology operations and service delivery, and in the development of new services and processes. They will collaborate with the leadership team, providing the technical vision to create a strategy for Digital Technologies which complements NTU’s strategic plan. Ensuring that resources within the department are effectively deployed to deliver against the strategy through day-to-day management of existing services, on-going continuous improvement and supporting delivery of new technologies and initiatives. 

The postholder will have a key role in the identification, prioritisation and delivery of the Digital Technologies operational portfolio. Developing strategic vendor relationships to support the leveraging of vendor knowledge, skill sets and capabilities to help transform how IT services are delivered, including through managed service arrangements, where appropriate.  

The role will work closely with the Director of Digital Technologies, the Associate Director Digital Planning and Portfolio Management and the Chief Information Security Officer to define the direction and strategy for Digital Operations within NTU. 

Principal duties and responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the DT Leadership team and key University stakeholders to define the technical strategy which will enable NTU to deliver its digital ambitions.
    • Collaborate with the Director of Digital Technologies, Associate Director of Digital Planning and Programme Management and the Chief Information Security Officer to define the technical vision to complement NTU’s strategy and set the tone and direction for the university’s technologies.
    • Work closely with senior university stakeholders to deliver Digital services and operations that best support and meet the needs of stakeholders in a cost-effective manner.
    • Work with the Heads of Service within DT to set a digital direction that will deliver a more agile, flexible and responsive approach to technology delivery, adoption and innovation.
    • Promote Digital innovation across NTU, leading on key initiatives, such as Smart Campus, AI adoption.
    • Ensure consistency and reliability of services whilst leading the team through change. Developing the team to be able to fulfil the needs of the department ensuring it is prepared for the growth and increased demands on those providing IT services and support.
  • Responsible for the delivery and on-going management of the technologies that support both staff and students within NTU.
    • Lead a diverse team to manage the networks, telecoms, infrastructure, communications, desktops and mobile computing used by staff and students across all university campus’s currently in Nottingham City, Brackenhurst, Mansfield, Clifton and London.
    • Lead the corporate applications and software development teams to ensure that all IT software solutions are managed effectively and support the university’s needs.
    • Ensure services are available to meet the computational needs of Research groups.
    • Oversee the continuing development and implementation of the university’s Enterprise Architecture, ensuring that it keeps pace with current technology developments and with the university’s current and future needs.
    • Lead user groups and/or working groups in connection with the development and implementation of new hardware or software systems.
    • Support the delivery of the Digital Skills programme, ensuring staff and students have the skills and resources they need to fulfil the universities digital ambition.
  • Work with the DT Leadership team and Heads of Service to define and prioritise the Digital delivery portfolios.
    • Identify, assess and investigate emerging technologies to identify how these can be incorporated into the technology roadmap and how they can be aligned with and support the University’s strategic objectives.
    • Assist with the development, implementation and ongoing monitoring of the university’s Digital Transformation Programme.
    • Ensure the development of new technology-enabled opportunities, partnerships and service delivery methods align to the University’s strategic objectives.
    • Ensure that cohesive software technology platforms are provided for services to all areas, and integration between systems are robust and accurate.

 

  • Develop and lead strong customer relations with key stakeholders from the University Leadership Team including Professional Services and academic areas.
    • Develop and maintain relations with key stakeholders in both professional and academic areas including for example, service owners for the Student Information System, Finance, research services and HR.
    • Ensure that client needs are understood and communicated in the development of portfolios of services for particular groups of customers.
    • Work with senior stakeholders to ensure that strategic roadmaps are developed alongside key suppliers for corporate solutions.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate policies, standards and governance within which DT will operate.
    • Review existing ICT policies and standards and amend them as appropriate to the developing needs of the university and in line with technology developments and novel approaches to service delivery.
    • Create and implement new ICT policies and procedures as appropriate to the developing needs of the university.
    • Implement best practice standards and processes for IT service delivery and ensure that a robust IT governance model is in place.
    • Ensure that risks relating to the Digital Estate are raised, managed and added to the DT Risk Register and where appropriate escalated to a university risk register via the Chief Information Security Officer.
  • Ensure that a high level of Customer Service is maintained across all areas of Digital Technologies, collaborating with vendors as well as other NTU service areas to ensure a consistent NTU customer service for both staff and students.
    • Lead on the communications to and digital confidence of customers across the university.
    • Develop and implement robust and effective vendor management processes, practices and procedures, focused on creating strategic partnerships with key suppliers, ensuring effective performance management and the delivery of value for money to the university.
    • Maintain and develop strong customer relations with all relevant areas of the University administration, ensuring that NTU customers are provided with a timely and consistent response to enquiries.
    • Provide for ongoing benchmarking against best practice, delivering to agreed service levels and supporting a strong customer service ethos.
  • Oversee the resources and operational budget for Digital Operations, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency.
    • Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring and support for direct reports in achieving the goals and objectives of their roles.
    • Ensure that effective relationships are in place with suppliers, that contracts and service levels are monitored and maintained, and contracts are negotiated to give best value for money.
    • Maintain oversight of the Digital Technologies operational budget, both Capital and revenue (approx. £21m), working with heads of service and the Directorate Manager to ensure effective forecasting, monitoring and management of IT expenditure, ensuring that all DT financial targets are met.
  • Perform other duties as required by the Director of Digital Technologies or their, nominee.

N.B. The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the post as defined, subject to the proviso that normally any changes of a permanent nature shall be incorporated into the job description in specific terms.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

All of the following are considered essential unless otherwise noted.

Knowledge

  • Significant technical knowledge of and experience with Corporate Applications maintenance and development.
  • Significant technical knowledge of process design and development, service management, and planning, including experience in developing procedures for the support of new technologies and applications. 
  • Detailed knowledge of project management principles and enterprise-wide project implementation. 
  • Strong and current knowledge of modern technologies and approaches to technology delivery across the disciplines of IT infrastructure, end user support, and educational technologies. 
  • Knowledge of service management principles including experience in the identification and collection of metric data and implementation of process improvements, service catalogues, and workflow management. 
  • Knowledge of business continuity, disaster recovery, and system recovery including the ability to design a first-level responder plan for the user community. 
  • Strong knowledge and deep understanding of ICT security issues and approaches. 
  • In depth understanding of strategic management and leadership in a complex environment. 
  • Experience within the Higher Education sector or equivalent sized and complex organisation. (Desirable)

Skills

  • Highly effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present ideas effectively to individuals and groups across all levels of the organisation. 
  • Proven team leadership and management skills, including colleague management, planning and resource allocation, leading others to manage changes to a positive conclusion. 
  • Strong interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills, quickly developing networks and personal credibility to build consensus and present persuasively to a range of audiences. 
  • Fiscal management skills with the ability to remain effective and credible under pressure. 
  • Skill in effectively organising resources and establishing priorities. 
  • Ability to assess critical and complex information from multiple stakeholders to address issues, understanding the context and impact of decisions made. 
  • Ability to motivate others individually and in teams to deliver high quality and customer focused outcomes. 
  • Providing leadership and direction, including constructively challenging and engaging with colleagues at all levels.   

Experience

  • Experience of contributing to the translation of organisational strategy into IT plans and services.  
  • Experience in the development of annual and longer-term plans, and development of project goals and objectives. 
  • Experience of defining standards of service across a large and complex organisation, monitoring project delivery and anticipating customer needs. 
  • Track record of successfully leading a large technical function and developing a culture of service, innovation, performance delivery and effective stakeholder management. 
  • Experience of successfully managing and balancing multiple stakeholder requirements. 
  • Extensive ICT leadership and management experience in similar sized organisation. 
  • Leadership experience of multiple teams with diverse responsibilities. 
  • Process review optimization and benchmarking. (Desirable)

Qualifications

  • Educated to degree level, or professional qualification, or equivalent experience.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development
  • Prince2 practitioner or agile certification. (Desirable)
  • Lean/ six sigma certification. (Desirable)

COMPETENCIES

All of the following competencies are considered essential unless otherwise noted.

  • Customer Focus – Level 4
    • Anticipates the needs of customers, seeking evidence of demand from the market(s) and from stakeholders. Seeks out and manages long term relationships with stakeholders, develops strategic initiatives to ensure the delivery of a quality and valued service.
  • Leading and Coaching – Level 4
    • Takes responsibility for strategic developments, sets standards and direction. Takes responsibility for developing talent and succession planning. Is a role model for others
  • Team Working – Level 4
    • Recognises and develops opportunities for team working at cross-University level, driving improvements to the teams’ outputs/service and developing colleagues within the teams.
  • Communicating and influencing – Level 4
    • Communicates and negotiates effectively with a range of stakeholders on complex matters which have future implications for the success of the University. Alert to internal and external dynamics of the organisation. Incorporates wider political factors into influencing strategy.
  • Adaptability – Level 4
    • Instigates and leads programmes of change, working in close collaboration with colleagues. Identifies resource implications of strategic developments and manages them accordingly.
  • Creativity and innovation – Level 4
    • Develops and implements new concepts, models, approaches to practice and products that have a significant impact on the longer-term success of the University. Drives strategic thinking.
  • Entrepreneurial and Commercial focus – Level 3
    • Spots and progresses business and opportunities for collaborative working externally and internally.

 

 

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Terms of appointment

  • Annual Leave – 35 days, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata.
  • Probation period – 12 months
  • Location – City campus
  • Hybrid working – we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You’re empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
  • Flexibility – take ownership over how you get your work done. We’re open to different working patterns and approaches.
  • Pension – Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
  • Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
  • Range of health and wellbeing services, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
  • Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Whilst this role is currently eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route, upcoming immigration rules changes may impact on eligibility for sponsorship, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa for more information.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for this role is noon on 10 May 2025. Informal interviews w/c 12th May and final panels end of May.

To apply, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

Applications should consist of:

  • A full CV.
  • A covering letter setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the essential knowledge, skills and experience criteria of the person specification.
  • Please include current salary details and the names and addresses of two referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.

Should you wish to discuss the roles in strict confidence, please contact Grace Tattersall at grace.tattersall@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 761 or Lela Gascgione at lela.gascoigne@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7702 650 507.

NTU prides itself on being an inclusive employer. We value and celebrate equality in opportunities, and we welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of our communities.

Apply for Deputy Director of Digital Technologies

Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham
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