Head of IT - Data & Applications

MLC Partners are proud to be working in exclusive partnership with a prestigious higher education institution in North London to appoint a Head of IT – Applications and Data. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of a forward-thinking IT function, driving digital transformation, systems integration, and data innovation.

About the Role

This newly designed position is both hands-on and strategic, ideal for someone looking to take ownership of enterprise applications, data platforms, and digital services across a complex and dynamic academic environment.

You’ll play a critical role in managing the institution’s data and insights functions, shaping the systems architecture, and ensuring robust, scalable and user-centric IT services. You’ll lead a small internal team while overseeing relationships with external technology providers to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and future-focused IT landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimise enterprise applications and data platforms, minimising downtime and enhancing performance.
  
  
• Oversee data governance, business intelligence, and analytics across the organisation.
  
  
• Architect integrated systems aligned to business and academic priorities.
  
  
• Manage and support institutional applications, acting as a key escalation point.
  
  
• Ensure GDPR compliance and cybersecurity in all IT solutions.
  
  
• Champion innovation through automation, cloud technologies, and advanced analytics.
  
  
• Line manage and develop a specialist team, promoting a culture of service excellence.
  
  About You
  
  We are seeking a confident and collaborative IT leader who brings:
  
  
• A degree in IT, Data Science, Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience).
  
  
• Proven experience leading IT teams and driving digital transformation.
  
  
• Strong technical expertise in enterprise applications, integration, and data platforms.
  
  
• A sound understanding of GDPR, data protection, and IT governance.
  
  
• Strong experience with the full suite of Microsoft's SQL Server Business Intelligence (BI) platform (SSIS, SSRS and SSAS)
  
  
• Familiarity with cloud-based services (e.g., AWS, Azure), APIs, automation, and analytics tools like Power BI or Tableau.
  
  
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  
  Professional certifications such as TOGAF, ITIL, PRINCE2/Agile, or CDMP are advantageous.
  
  What You’ll Get in Return
  
  
• 35 days annual leave + bank holidays + additional closure days.
  
  
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions up to 14.8%.
  
  
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
  
  
• Support for ongoing professional development and training.
  
  
• Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, interest-free season ticket loan.
  
  
• A collaborative, inclusive, and creative working culture