Director of Research and Operations IT
Posted
9th January 2026
Closing Date
15th February 2026
Salary
Competitive
Location
Liverpool
Interviews Scheduled
w/c 23rd March 2026
The University of Liverpool is a globally recognised Russell Group institution, committed to transforming lives through world-class education, research, and innovation.
As they approach their 150th anniversary, their Liverpool 2031 strategic framework sets out an ambitious vision to be a connected, global university at the forefront of knowledge leadership
Digital transformation is central to this vision. The University’s Digital Strategy underpins their strategic goals by embedding digital technologies across research, education, and operations. It aims to create a seamless, secure, and future-ready digital environment that enhances student outcomes, research excellence, and operational agility.
The Director of Research & Operations IT will play a pivotal role in delivering this transformation. Reporting to the Group Director IT and Digital, the postholder will lead the strategic development, security and operational delivery of the University’s core IT infrastructure, which supports 7k staff and over 30k students. Additionally, the Director will establish and oversee standards for partners delivering operational IT services across the international campuses.
The Director has responsibility for the full range of Infrastructure Services, Cyber Security, Research Computing, Service Management and Customer Services ensuring resilient, scalable and secure foundations for digital innovation. The role demands visionary leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to foster collaboration across academic and professional services for an organisation with global impact. The ability to manage the cyber risks facing an organisation with a global profile and build the team capable of securing their operational and research assets is essential.
With significant experience in leading enterprise-scale IT operations gained within a complex, multi-disciplinary organisational setting, you will have a proven track record of delivering resilient and scalable infrastructure services that support digital transformation. Equally importantly, you will be an IT professional who is values-led, who blends authentic, emotionally intelligent leadership with technical expertise, and who has delivered transformation.
To find out more and have an informal conversation please contact Mike Dixon at mike@dixonwalter.co.uk or on 0787 6751896.
Applications should be made via email to mike@dixonwalter.co.uk and must include on separate documents:
- a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the person specification
- a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
- details of three referees and notice period (referees will not be contacted without your permission)
- a completed Personal Details Form (available above)
The closing date for applications is Sunday 15th February 2026.
Final stage selection will be held on campus week commencing 23rd March 2026.
In making an application for this role we ask you also to view our Privacy Notice which outlines our compliance to General Data Protection Regulations and the use and storage of your data. Personal Data is held and processed on the lawful basis that such action is in the Legitimate Interest of the company in pursuing the purposes described and has been considered through the use of a Legitimate Interest Assessment utilising the Balance Test to not be outweighed by risks to the rights, freedoms and interests of the Data Subject.
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