IT Business Partner

The Role and the Department

The Computing and Information Services (CIS) has an annual operational budget in excess of £12m, multi-million pound programmes of change within year, and approximately 185 staff. The Senior Leadership Team report directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with the following portfolios: Strategy and Change; Technical Services; Information Services (IS), and Cyber Security. CIS work with departments across the university to provide academic, teaching and administrative services that underpin the day-to-day activities of the whole organisation. Details of the Digital Strategy and ongoing work can be found at Digital Strategy - Durham University.

CIS is a friendly, but demanding department, where much is expected and can be achieved by competent, self-motivated individuals who are demonstrable in their team work ability. The department works in a hybrid capacity depending on the job role and individual personal requirements.

The IT Business Partner, also known as a Business Relationship Manager (BRM), plays a crucial role, acting as a bridge between technology and various departments to ensure IT services meet business needs and are fully utilised. Working within the IT Business Partnering and Adoption Team, you will manage internal stakeholder relationships and lead change activities to ensure the successful adoption of technology across the University.

To be successful you should have experience as an IT Business Partner, or Business Relationship Manager, enabling you to be the strategic interface between internal CIS and University departments. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships to enable CIS to understand departmental priorities, address areas for improvement, prioritise projects, and drive innovation.

The role is fast-paced and varied, with no two days the same. It requires working with stakeholders at all levels to advise, influence, and recommend appropriate actions. Resilience, initiative, drive, and strong interpersonal skills are vital.

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a strategic liaison between CIS and University departments.
• Facilitating the development and implementation of the Digital Strategy.
• Advocating for departmental needs within CIS to ensure service excellence.
• Leading change management initiatives to optimise technology adoption.
• Identifying opportunities for improved use of digital services.
• Keeping end users informed of CIS developments and service performance.
• Providing advice on technical matters (supported by subject experts) to ensure proposed developments offer the best solutions.
• Advocating for the departments you represent.
• Establishing user requirements.

Expectations for the role:

• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with team members and stakeholders, including PVCs, Heads of Colleges, Heads of Departments, and Services.
• Advocate for innovative solutions, best practices, and knowledge exchange.
• Stay informed about technology, processes, and legislation to identify opportunities supporting the University's strategy.

The role will require travel to the main University campus whilst hybrid working is also available.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Interviews are expected to take place 2^nd or 3^rd October 2024

Advert information