Head of IT

Are you an experienced IT leader looking for an exciting opportunity to drive innovation and shape IT strategy in a world-leading academic environment? The School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE) at the University of Oxford is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Head of IT to lead its IT operations and strategic development.

About the Role

As Head of IT, you will have overall responsibility for the management and development of SoGE’s extensive IT infrastructure, supporting over 700 users across the School and its three renowned research centres:

• Environmental Change Institute (ECI)
• Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment (SSEE)
• Transport Studies Unit (TSU)

You will oversee a cutting-edge IT environment, including:

• 550+ workstations (PCs & Macs)
• 3 virtualised server clusters (Windows & Linux)
• 5PB of mirrored data storage
• 7000-core High-Performance Computing facility
• 100Gbps+ resilient networking across multiple datacentres

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of IT systems, ensuring world-class computational performance and storage solutions.
• Oversee IT security, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Develop innovative IT solutions to support cutting-edge research and teaching.
• Manage and mentor a team of IT professionals, including specialists in infrastructure, research computing, and frontline IT support.
• Collaborate with University-wide IT teams, championing best practices and innovation.
• Negotiate with third-party suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement of IT services and solutions.

About You

• We are looking for an IT leader with:
• Significant managerial experience leading IT teams in a complex organisation.
• Strong technical expertise in IT infrastructure, security, and high-performance computing.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• A track record of delivering innovative IT solutions in a research-intensive environment.

Why Join Us?

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits we provide, including:

• Flexible Hybrid Working: A work setup that combines office and remote work.
• Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme: We help you plan for your future.
• Generous Annual Leave: 38 days of annual leave.
• Comprehensive Childcare Services: We support your family needs.
• Family Leave Schemes: Ensuring work-life balance.
• Cycle Loan Scheme: Promoting eco-friendly transportation.
• Membership to Various Social and Sports Clubs: Be part of vibrant communities.
• Discounted Bus Travel and Season Ticket Travel Loans: Making your commute more affordable.
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community-building efforts.
• Support for continued, life-long learning and career development.

The University also hosts a multitude of social groups and sports clubs for those seeking more than just a great place to work.

Hybrid working: on agreement with Head of Administration and Finance

Working hours: occasional attendance of works outside normal business hours

Join us and help shape the future of IT in one of the world’s leading academic institutions.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement which details how you meet each of the selection criteria, a CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is Friday 28th February 2025 at 12:00 noon, interviews will be held in the week commencing 17th March.

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