Head of Business Systems

Head of IT Business Systems

Location: East Sussex - Flexible Working
Salary: £70,000 + permanent benefits

We are seeking an experienced Head of Business Systems to lead the delivery, operation and development of strategic corporate IT systems that support organisational objectives and enhance the staff and student experience.

Reporting into senior IT leadership, you will be accountable for the performance of corporate business systems and for leading a specialist Business Systems team in a Matrix environment. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide strategic advice, balance competing priorities and ensure systems are secure, reliable and fit for the future.

This is a key leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on expertise, with responsibility for people management, service delivery, supplier relationships and major systems implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Delivery

• Deputise for senior IT leadership on the strategic planning and delivery of corporate business systems.
• Lead the design, development and delivery of complex, organisation-wide IT solutions aligned to long-term strategic goals.
• Provide expert strategic advice on corporate business systems to stakeholders at all levels.
• Ensure systems are delivered on time, to agreed quality standards, and in line with approved business cases.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the reliable, secure and efficient operation of all corporate business systems.
• Maintain agreed service levels, anticipate user needs and proactively drive service improvement.
• Ensure compliance with data protection, data retention and other legislative requirements.
• Lead business continuity planning and regular service testing.

People & Resource Management

• Lead, supervise and line-manage the Business Systems team within a Matrix environment.
• Oversee resource planning, prioritisation and workload management across the organisation.
• Embed effective processes for induction, performance management, coaching and professional development.
• Conduct staff development reviews and support continuous improvement in productivity and quality.

Project & Change Management

• Lead and deliver projects across corporate management and information systems.
• Undertake project planning, analysis and solution design for large-scale IT initiatives.
• Influence and advise senior internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery of business benefits.