About this role
Salary: £43,000 - 83,000 per year
Requirements: Substantial executive or senior leadership experience in digital transformation, technology, data or digital product leadership.A strong record of leading complex, enterprise-wide transformation within a large and multifaceted organisation.Experience of developing and delivering digital strategies linked directly to organisational growth and performance.Successful leadership of major technology, data, platform or service-transformation programmes.Experience of integrating systems, data and digital services across organisational boundaries.A strong understanding of artificial intelligence, automation, analytics and emerging technologies.Experience of building high-performing multidisciplinary teams.Effective oversight of significant budgets, programmes and supplier relationships.Experience of developing robust digital, data and cyber governance.Evidence of delivering measurable organisational, customer and financial benefits.Experience of influencing boards, executive teams and senior stakeholders.A strong record of leading organisational and cultural change.Experience of working successfully with external technology, commercial or innovation partners.Degree-level qualification or equivalent senior professional experience.Evidence of continuing professional development in digital, technology, data, leadership or organisational transformation.We would also value experience within higher education, education technology, professional services or another complex knowledge-based organisation.Experience of digital transformation across international or multi-entity operations would be advantageous.Knowledge of digital education, lifelong learning and the changing skills market would be beneficial.Experience of developing digital platforms or ecosystems serving multiple customer groups would be advantageous.Experience of commercialising digital products, services or intellectual property would be beneficial.Knowledge of higher education regulation, data and technology environments would be useful.Experience of supporting mergers, partnerships, shared services or operating-model transformation would be advantageous.A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable.Relevant professional accreditation or fellowship is desirable.Recognised expertise in digital transformation, information technology, data, artificial intelligence or organisational change is desirable. Responsibilities: Define and deliver our enterprise-wide digital strategy, aligned to Forward to 2040 and our careers-first mission.Drive institution-wide digital transformation and embed digital thinking across our University.Translate strategic priorities into clear digital initiatives, investments and measurable outcomes.Advise our Vice-Chancellor, Executive Board and Governors on digital opportunities, risks and performance.Anticipate emerging technology and market trends to support future growth and innovation.Develop strategic relationships with technology providers, employers, government and innovation partners.Identify and deliver opportunities for joint products, services, research and education initiatives.Support commercial growth through partnerships, investment and technology-enabled innovation.Represent us as a leading voice in digital education, AI and innovation.Establish a product-led approach to digital services and platforms.Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver user-focused and outcome-driven solutions.Embed agile delivery methods and continuous improvement practices.Monitor adoption, benefits realisation and return on investment.Position data as a strategic institutional asset.Develop integrated data, analytics and reporting capabilities.Strengthen data governance, quality, accessibility and accountability.Enable evidence-based decision-making through real-time insight and analytics.Promote data literacy and responsible data use across the University.Lead the development of scalable digital platforms supporting our global ambitions.Ensure consistent systems, services and experiences across campuses and partnerships.Enable seamless engagement throughout the student, partner and alumni lifecycle.Support the development of new digital business models and revenue opportunities.Create a personalised, connected and high-quality digital experience.Improve end-to-end journeys across recruitment, admissions, learning, support and careers.Champion user-centred design and service excellence.Measure and continuously improve user satisfaction and engagement.Drive innovation in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum delivery.Support flexible, blended and digitally enabled education models.Enhance our careers-first approach through technology-enabled platforms and services.Develop new digital learning opportunities, professional education and employer-led programmes.Lead our strategy for AI and emerging technologies.Promote responsible, ethical and impactful technology adoption.Enhance educational outcomes, operational effectiveness and decision-making through AI.Build institutional capability and confidence in emerging technologies.Position us as a sector leader in inclusive AI innovation.Provide strategic leadership for enterprise architecture and technology integration.Simplify and modernise the technology landscape.Ensure systems are secure, scalable, interoperable and aligned to University priorities.Establish effective governance for technology investment and lifecycle management.Provide executive leadership for cybersecurity and digital resilience.Ensure robust protection of systems, services and data.Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory and sector requirements.Strengthen organisational preparedness for cyber threats and service disruption.Provide clear oversight and reporting of digital and cyber risk.Drive organisational effectiveness through technology-enabled transformation.Simplify processes and improve service quality across academic and professional services.Increase productivity through automation, digital tools and improved ways of working.Ensure digital investments deliver measurable benefits and long-term sustainability.Contribute fully to the collective leadership of our University Executive Board.Lead a high-performing digital, data and technology function.Attract, develop and retain exceptional talent.Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.Build digital capability and confidence across the University.Champion inclusive transformation and values-led leadership.Undertake travel between our locations and international operations as required.Be based in our London Docklands location.Represent us at national and international events.Work flexibly to meet the demands of a senior executive role.Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and professional conduct.Comply with all our policies, regulatory responsibilities and governance requirements.Undertake other responsibilities appropriate to the seniority and strategic importance of the position. 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We are the University of East London (UEL), the UKs most socially inclusive university, with more than 40,000 students from over 160 nationalities and a strong focus on careers-first education, innovation, enterprise and civic impact. We are entering our next phase of development through Forward to 2040, building on Vision 2028 to become an increasingly global, digitally enabled education, careers and innovation platform. Our ambitions include using data, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and digitally enabled operating models to transform the student and colleague experience, strengthen outcomes, accelerate innovation and enterprise, drive revenue growth and diversification, improve productivity and resilience, and create new models of careers-led lifelong learning. We foster a professional, positive and inclusive work environment built on shared values of Passion, Inclusion and Courage. This is an inaugural senior executive role on our Executive Board, based in London Docklands, with a remuneration package including circa £180,000 base salary, performance-related bonus, a 16% employer pension contribution and comprehensive benefits.
last updated 39 week of 2026