IT Infrastructure and Systems

• Oversee the organisation's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, endpoints, hardware, software and cloud services.
• Ensure systems are reliable, secure, appropriately maintained and fit for purpose.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, maintenance and replacement of IT hardware and software.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring of infrastructure and systems performance.
• Develop and maintain effective backup, disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements.
• Oversee IT asset management and lifecycle planning.
• Ensure IT systems are appropriately documented and maintained.
• Review and improve infrastructure to support multiple campuses, offices and operational locations.

Cybersecurity and Information Security

• Lead the organisation's cybersecurity strategy and ensure appropriate security controls are implemented.
• Identify, assess and manage IT security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Ensure appropriate protection of organisational, staff and student information.
• Establish and maintain cybersecurity policies, procedures and controls.
• Oversee security monitoring, access controls, endpoint protection, authentication and other relevant security measures.
• Ensure appropriate response procedures are in place for cybersecurity incidents.
• Lead or coordinate investigations into significant IT security incidents.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness and good security practices across the organisation.
• Ensure IT practices support applicable data protection and information security requirements.
• Work with HR and senior management to ensure cybersecurity training and awareness requirements are incorporated into staff development and onboarding processes.

IT Service Management

• Ensure the IT department provides an efficient, responsive and professional service to staff and students.
• Establish appropriate service standards, escalation procedures and response times.
• Monitor IT support performance, service levels and recurring issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce recurring incidents and improve first-time resolution.
• Ensure appropriate ticketing and IT service management processes are followed.
• Develop a proactive approach to preventative maintenance and service improvement.
• Ensure major IT incidents are appropriately managed, communicated and escalated.

AI, Automation and Digital Transformation

• Develop and implement an AI and automation strategy aligned with the wider business and IT strategy.
• Identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
• Assess business processes that could benefit from workflow automation, AI-enabled tools or system integration.
• Lead the evaluation, implementation and governance of appropriate AI technologies across UKMC and Unibridge Group.
• Establish appropriate controls for the responsible and secure use of AI, including data protection, access controls, confidentiality and information security.
• Work with departments across the organisation to identify practical opportunities for AI adoption and process automation.
• Support staff in understanding how AI and automation can be used effectively and responsibly within their roles.
• Develop guidance, training and awareness initiatives to support appropriate use of AI technologies.
• Monitor developments in AI and emerging technologies and advise senior management on opportunities, risks and potential investment.
• Lead technology-enabled transformation programmes designed to improve organisational processes, reduce manual administration and enhance the user experience.
• Ensure AI and automation projects are appropriately tested, documented and supported by change management and staff training.
• Measure the impact and benefits of AI, automation and digital transformation initiatives.

Systems and Digital Transformation

• Evaluate existing systems and identify opportunities for improvement and automation.
• Lead or support the implementation of new technology platforms and IT systems.
• Ensure technology projects are appropriately planned, resourced and delivered.
• Work with internal stakeholders to understand business and operational requirements.
• Assess the impact of new technologies on existing systems and processes.
• Support digital transformation initiatives across UKMC and Unibridge Group.
• Ensure appropriate testing, documentation, training and change management when introducing new systems.

IT Projects

• Lead and oversee major IT projects from initial requirements through to implementation.
• Develop project plans, budgets, timelines and resource requirements.
• Coordinate internal teams, external suppliers and stakeholders.
• Monitor project progress, risks, dependencies and budgets.
• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality, time and cost requirements.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews and identify lessons learned.

Supplier and Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with external IT suppliers, technology partners and service providers.
• Review supplier performance and ensure agreed service levels are achieved.
• Negotiate and manage IT contracts, licences and service agreements where appropriate.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations for IT equipment, services and technology solutions.
• Ensure value for money across IT expenditure.
• Maintain an accurate record of IT contracts, licences and renewal dates.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

IT Budget and Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual IT budget in conjunction with senior management and Finance.
• Monitor IT expenditure and ensure spending remains within approved budgets.
• Develop business cases for significant technology investments.
• Ensure appropriate procurement processes are followed.
• Identify opportunities to improve value for money and reduce unnecessary IT costs.
• Plan for future capital expenditure, infrastructure replacement and technology investment.

Governance, Compliance and Risk

• Ensure IT policies and procedures are documented, implemented and regularly reviewed.
• Maintain appropriate IT risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Ensure appropriate controls are in place for user access, permissions and account management.
• Support compliance with applicable data protection, information security and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation relating to IT systems and infrastructure.
• Work with HR, Compliance and senior management on IT-related organisational policies and risks.
• Ensure appropriate processes are in place for staff joining, changing roles and leaving the organisation.
• Establish appropriate governance for the use of AI, automation and emerging technologies.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

• Develop, maintain and regularly test IT disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Ensure critical systems have appropriate backup and recovery arrangements.
• Identify critical IT dependencies and potential points of failure.
• Coordinate IT responses to major outages, incidents and emergencies.
• Ensure lessons learned from significant incidents are incorporated into future improvements.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with senior management, HR, Finance, Academic, Student Services, Marketing and other departments.
• Act as the senior point of escalation for