Digital Business Operations Director

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, recognised globally for academic excellence, innovation and collaboration. With a thriving community of over 40,000 students and staff, the University continues to invest in its digital capabilities to support world-class education, pioneering research and an exceptional campus experience. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding Digital Business Operations Director to join the Information and Digital Group (IDG).

Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the University’s digital function. You will lead the development and evolution of IDG’s operating strategy, ensuring technology services are financially sustainable, well-governed and aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.

This is a broad and highly influential leadership role, responsible for Technology Business Management (TBM), financial planning and governance, commercial and supplier management, organisational effectiveness, governance, risk and assurance, and business operations. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Procurement, People, Estates and Internal Audit, you will drive operational excellence, strengthen governance and ensure the University continues to maximise the value of its digital investment.

Alongside operational leadership, you will champion a people-centred culture, fostering collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement. You will develop and inspire senior leaders, strengthen organisational capability and create an environment where innovation, accountability and engagement enable teams to deliver exceptional services.

The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience within a complex digital or IT environment, with a proven track record of developing operating strategies, managing substantial budgets and leading organisational transformation. You will possess strong commercial and financial acumen, expertise in Technology Business Management, supplier and contract management, and the ability to influence and build trusted relationships across executive stakeholders. Experience of leading organisational change, developing high-performing teams and driving operational excellence is essential, while experience within higher education or another complex public sector environment would be advantageous.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of digital operations at one of the UK’s most respected universities and make a lasting impact on its strategic ambitions.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave, plus 8 statutory days and 4 shut down days over Christmas
• A competitive pension scheme
• Staff training
• Free eye care vouchers
• Discounts at Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Sport Membership
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a complete support network that offers expert advice and guidance 24/7

For more information, visit the benefits page here.

For further information to shape your application, the Job Description and Person Specification can be viewed click here.

How to apply

The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; please apply above by submitting a CV & Cover Letter in Word Document format, or you can also email your documents to enquiries@searchhigher.com. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, please submit your application as early as possible.

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd September 2026

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