University of Hertfordshire
Head of Architecture and IT Development
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Head of Architecture and IT Development
SBU/Department
Library and Computing Services
FTE
1.00 FTE (working 37 hours a week)
Duration of Contract
Permanent
Salary
AM2 £74,481 pa to £79,901 pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience
Annual Leave
35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days, including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
Location
College Lane Campus
Technology is central to the University of Hertfordshire's ambitious new strategy, and we are investing significantly in digital transformation, data, innovation and artificial intelligence to enhance the experience of our students, staff and partners.
We are seeking an exceptional technology leader to join us as our Head of Architecture and IT Development. Reporting to the Director of Digital, Data & Technology, you will lead a multidisciplinary function spanning Enterprise Architecture, Systems Development, Business Applications, Digital Innovation, Data, and User Experience. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop the University's Enterprise Architecture capability, support the implementation of a new Student Record System, help mainstream the responsible adoption of AI, and play a key role in delivering the University's digital transformation ambitions.
Main duties and responsibilities
You will provide operational and strategic leadership across architecture, development, business applications and digital innovation, ensuring technology services, platforms and solutions support the University's strategic goals. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the institution, you will lead the development of architecture standards and governance, oversee the delivery and evolution of enterprise systems, digital and data platforms, and identify opportunities to exploit emerging technologies to improve services and enhance the student and staff experience. As a member of the Digital, Data & Technology senior leadership team, you will contribute to the wider direction, performance and continuous improvement of technology services across the University.
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Skills and experience required
You will have significant experience leading architecture, software development, digital delivery or technology transformation functions within a large and complex organisation. We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of Enterprise Architecture, technology governance and modern software delivery practices, together with a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, influence senior stakeholders and deliver technology-enabled change. Experience within Higher Education is desirable but not essential; we welcome applications from candidates who have successfully operated in other complex and highly regulated environments.
Qualifications required
You will hold a degree (or equivalent) or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience in technology leadership, architecture, digital delivery or enterprise-scale ICT provision. Professional certifications such as TOGAF, ITIL, Agile or programme and project management qualifications would be advantageous.
Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement no more than 2 sides of A4 showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.
We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.
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Disclosure and Barring Service
Our commitment to the University’s Safeguarding Policy requires that the recruitment of staff in this area will require a minimum of a Basic DBS Check. In the course of our work and University-led activities, there may be external contractual obligations where a further Enhanced Check is required. DBS checks may require renewal in line with policy.
Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad
Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a ‘Certificate of Good Character/Conduct’ from each of those countries.
Contact Details/Informal Enquiries
Andrea Bowes, Director of Digital, Data & Technology, A.Bowes@herts.ac.uk
Closing Date
1 October 2026
Interview Date
Week Commencing 19 October 2026
Reference Number
REQ000749
Date advert placed
10 September 2026
Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts
Apply online at https://ce0997li.webitrent.com/ce0997li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=26210100HV&VACANCY_ID=2187444slA
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