Job Description
Lead Digital Transformation at the University of Reading
The University of Reading is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to join its Digital Directorate as Director of Digital Products and Portfolio. This strategic role is central to delivering the University’s ambitious digital strategy and transforming the way we develop and manage digital services and products.
You will play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering our digital portfolio, leading the shift to a product-centric operating model, and ensuring our services evolve to meet the needs of students, staff, and the wider academic community.
This is a high-impact opportunity to drive institutional change, foster innovation, and influence the future of digital at the University.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end strategy and lifecycle of digital products and services across the University.
Oversee the design and delivery of strategic digital initiatives aligned with the University’s digital strategy.
Champion the transition to a product-centric model, embedding cross-functional, agile “fusion” teams.
Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to align digital delivery with institutional goals.
Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance across all digital products and portfolios.
Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and benefit realisation across programmes and services.
Manage a team of approximately 60 FTE, including product leads, project/programme managers, business analysts, and PMO professionals.
Oversee digital product and portfolio budgets, vendor management, and performance optimisation.
Act as Deputy to the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), contributing to wider University leadership and governance.
About You
We are looking for a strategic, inclusive, and forward-thinking leader who can influence at the highest levels and deliver complex change in a large-scale environment.
Essential:
Extensive senior-level experience in digital or IT leadership within a complex organisation.
Proven success in leading digital product development and managing large-scale digital portfolios.
Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience leading multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams and transformation programmes.
In-depth understanding of enterprise architecture, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
Desirable:
Professional certifications such as Agile, DevOps, Prince2, ITIL, or MSP.
Experience in higher education or public sector organisations.
Understanding of public procurement and HR processes.
What We Offer
A competitive salary package.
A collaborative and inclusive culture committed to professional growth and innovation.
33 days of annual leave (inclusive of University closure days).
A comprehensive benefits package.
Hybrid working model with a minimum of two days per week on campus.
The opportunity to play a key role in the University’s digital future.
Please refer to the Candidate Pack for additional role details.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively support the Athena SWAN Charter, Race Equality Charter, and champion LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcome applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements, subject to business requirements.
