Head of IT (Strategic Partner)

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Contract: Fixed term (24 months)

Interview expected to be held w/c 19^th October 2026

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you someone who enjoys building relationships, connecting people and ideas, and helping organisations make the most of technology? 

The University of Leeds is one of the top 80 universities in the world.  We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities.  Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

This is a highly collaborative role at the interface between IT and the University, focused on understanding business needs and ensuring technology enables the successful delivery of faculty and service priorities. Acting as a strategic partner, you will work across organisational boundaries to connect people, processes and technology, helping colleagues shape demand, prioritise investment, access the right support, and coordinate the delivery of digital change.

Success in this role depends on your ability to influence, build trusted partnerships, and bring together diverse stakeholders with different priorities and perspectives. You will champion a user-centred approach, translate business needs into solutions, improve communication and engagement, and ensure the right expertise is brought together at the right time. Through collaboration, continuous improvement and a focus on customer experience, you will help create a more connected, responsive and effective IT service that supports both local priorities and the University's wider strategic ambitions.

What we offer in return:

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
• And much more!  

Visa Eligibility: Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/global-talent.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Ann-Marie Hartland, Director of Digital Engagement and Experience

Email: A.M.Hartland@leeds.ac.uk 

Further details: Candidate Brief

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