Head of Architecture and IT Development

FTE: 1.00 FTE (working 37 hours a week)  

Duration of Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus

We are seeking an exceptional technology leader to join us as our Head of Architecture and IT Development. You will lead a multidisciplinary function spanning Enterprise Architecture, Systems Development, Business Applications, Digital Innovation, Data, and User Experience. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop the University's Enterprise Architecture capability, support the implementation of a new Student Record System, help mainstream the responsible adoption of AI, and play a key role in delivering the University's digital transformation ambitions.

Main duties and responsibilities

You will provide operational and strategic leadership across architecture, development, business applications and digital innovation, ensuring technology services, platforms and solutions support the University's strategic goals. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the institution, you will lead the development of architecture standards and governance, oversee the delivery and evolution of enterprise systems, digital and data platforms, and identify opportunities to exploit emerging technologies to improve services and enhance the student and staff experience. As a member of the Digital, Data & Technology senior leadership team, you will contribute to the wider direction, performance and continuous improvement of technology services across the University.

Skills and experience required

You will have significant experience leading architecture, software development, digital delivery or technology transformation functions within a large and complex organisation. We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of Enterprise Architecture, technology governance and modern software delivery practices, together with a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, influence senior stakeholders and deliver technology-enabled change. Experience within Higher Education is desirable but not essential; we welcome applications from candidates who have successfully operated in other complex and highly regulated environments.

Qualifications required

You will hold a degree (or equivalent) or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience in technology leadership, architecture, digital delivery or enterprise-scale ICT provision.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self service portal.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

Disclosure and Barring Service

Our commitment to the University’s Safeguarding Policy requires that the recruitment of staff in this area, will require the minimum of a Basic DBS Check. In the course of our work and University-led activities, there may be external contractual obligations where a further Enhanced Check is required. DBS checks may require renewal in line with policy.

Overseas applicants and UK applicants who have lived abroad

Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a ‘Certificate of Good Character/Conduct’ from each of those countries.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Andrea Bowes, Director of Digital, Data & Technology, A.Bowes@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 1 October 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 19 October 2026 

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