Business Systems Manager

Full time, 37.5 hours per week, permanent

LIPA is recognised as a world leading centre of excellence for creative learning and vocational training within the performing arts and creative industries. Our ethos and learning environment is underpinned by a commitment to collaborative and creative practice that develops artists and cultural entrepreneurs ready to respond to the evolving needs of the creative industries and performing arts.

We have high expectations for new appointees, and are looking for inspiring, inclusive and innovative leaders who will support us in developing the next generation of performers, creative artists, and entrepreneurs.

At LIPA, creativity is at the heart of everything we do but behind the scenes, it’s our systems that make it all possible. We’re looking for a Business Systems Manager to take the lead in developing, improving and supporting the systems that underpin our organisation. This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the detail, solving problems, and improving systems, while also wanting to influence how we evolve in the future.

This isn’t just about maintaining systems. You’ll be:

• Hands-on with core business systems, improving, integrating and supporting them day-to-day
• Leading projects, implementing new solutions and enhancements
• Working across the organisation with colleagues at every level
• Exploring opportunities to modernise and innovate how we use technology.

And as you build confidence and credibility, you’ll also help shape our business systems strategy, influence technology decisions and investment, and contribute to longer-term transformation across LIPA.

The key areas of development for this role are:

• Leading the implementation and improvement of business systems aligned to organisational goals – especially working with our newly introduced TechnologyOne suite of programmes
• Supporting and optimising our existing systems estate, ensuring they remain effective and fit for purpose
• Acting as a bridge between technical teams and business users
• Delivering projects from concept through to implementation
• Driving data, reporting and business intelligence improvements
• Managing relationships with suppliers and system vendors
• Supporting compliance, including regulatory reporting and data protection responsibilities.

One minute you may be troubleshooting an issue, guiding a colleague, or helping configure a solution, the next you may be working with the CEO and COO on our dashboard reporting development.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong experience working with business systems in a complex organisation
• Is comfortable operating in a hands-on technical and functional role
• Can translate business needs into practical system solutions
• Enjoys problem solving and continuous improvement
• Has experience of managing
• Communicates confidently with both technical and non-technical colleagues.

You’ll likely have experience across Microsoft platforms, enterprise systems, and reporting tools, alongside a solid understanding of data protection and governance.

• A collaborative and creative working environment
• Hybrid working (typically ~60% on site)
• Generous pension and benefits (16.48% employers’ contribution, 8.6% employee).

If you’re someone who enjoys being hands-on and making impact, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why your experience, skills and approach make you the ideal candidate for the role to: recruit@lipa.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: 12:00 on Thursday 2^nd July 2026

Interview date: Friday 10^th July 2026

Should you have any questions about the process or require reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact our Recruitment

Team by email: recruit@lipa.ac.uk or by telephone: 0151 330 3091.

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