Head of Applications

Job Description

It’s an exciting time to join the Information Services department at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland’s #1 Modern UniversityEdinburgh Napier University is forward thinking, leading, modern university. We create and support personalised learning and research opportunities for students, staff and partners that nurture talent, create knowledge and shape communities around the world.The Information Services department is one of the largest professional services within the university responsible for the provision of technology, systems and library services. We are well regarded by both colleagues and students for the wide variety of services provided and, importantly, the collegiate and professional way they are delivered. The last year has demonstrated the resilience and dedication of the IS Team, a team that is greater than the sum of its parts.You would be joining us at an exciting time when we are reshaping the leadership team and building our capabilities to underpin all aspects of University operations and provide key enablers to deliver the ambitious University strategies for Learning & Teaching, Research & Innovation and Internationalisation. To do this, we must observe sector and technology trends, listen to our users’ needs, develop core, interoperable capabilities, designed in such a way that they can be re-used in multiple contexts, and ensure that these are expertly delivered.In an ever-changing technological landscape and as a progressive institution, our leadership team combines strong sector knowledge with wider industry best practise and innovation. They are trusted advisors to the University Leadership Team, demonstrating their deep understanding of our strategy and empowering their teams to contribute to its realisation.The role This key leadership role reports directly to the Director of IS, with line manager responsibility for the following: Information Systems Development Manager, Applications Systems Development Manager, Finance Systems Manager and the Student Systems Manager.As Head of Applications you will lead a high functioning team responsible for all application services across the University such as student systems, the Virtual Learning Environment, corporate systems and the University’s web presence. From inception through design, implementation, maintenance and retiral, you will lead in a way which embodies a culture of openness, collaboration and continuous improvement.You will drive forward the University’s application and information strategy to underpin the emergent Digital Strategy and deliver a robust platform for the Learning & Teaching, Research & Innovation and International strategies. In order to do so, you must stay abreast of the technology trends, foster excellent relationships with strategic suppliers and build networks with other HEIs and industry.This role will lead the development of a Service Design capability which will take a user-centric approach to the design of application services, using user research to inform design decisions, thereby ensuring that the solutions we develop are appropriate for the organisation and are based on evidenced need, and embedding services through varied and effective adoption techniques.Who we are looking forWe will look for you to evidence your expertise in leading, developing and supporting diverse high-performing teams to a common set of goals and objectives, with a proven track record of leading the delivery of enterprise-class application services in a complex organisation to support the organisation’s strategic imperatives. You should have demonstrable experience of working in a responsive and agile environment, while ensuring a customer centric approach is used at all times.You must show experience of architecting, designing, building and maintaining a robust application estate which meets industry best practice and delivery with a Service Design approach to underpin digital transformationYour communication skills, both oral and written, should be excellent and you will be able to evidence effective communication with people at all levels enabling buy in from senior stakeholders. You should be experienced in negotiation, presenting and in developing business cases for investment for sign off at executive level, as well as strategic management of supplier relationships.What you can expectWe have flexible working available to ensure our staff are supported to succeed in their roles whilst maintaining a good home/work-life balance.Edinburgh Napier University is committed to inclusion, and encourages applications from minority and underrepresented groups. This is demonstrated through our work in respect of our diversity awards and accreditations and hold Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status.If this opportunity sounds of interest, please visit Edinburgh Napier University Jobs pages for the role descriptionBenefits we offerIn return, we offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement and offer an attractive benefits package. This includes a minimum of 41 days annual leave (includes bank holidays), a generous Employer contribution pension scheme (20.4%), professional development opportunities, discounted access to onsite sports facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts.Additional informationInterviews: Stage 1 Monday 10th May Required skills

Collaboration

Digital Strategy

Information Systems

Agile Environment

Inclusion

Keyskills :
Digital Strategy Agile Environment