Assistant Director - Information Systems and Support

The Assistant Director - Information Systems and Support post will drive the development, implementation and evaluation of information system policy to support the delivery of NIHR programmes and business plans. They will be responsible for identifying and managing risks associated with IM&T infrastructure and development projects, while integrating national strategy, policy, legislation, and best practices into IM&T policies.

Client Details

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the nation's largest funder of health and care research and has a mission to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

Description

Information Systems and Support leadership

The post holder will:

• Develop and implement long-term IT strategies. This involves working with senior management to identify the company's IT needs and developing plans to meet those needs.
• Take a lead role in NIHR national strategies involving IT ensuring that the Academy is represented, and its needs met at all levels.
• Oversee the daily operations of the IT department. This includes ensuring that all IT systems are up and running, that data is backed up and secure, and that users can access the information they need.
• Manage the IT budget. This includes tracking expenses, making sure that IT projects are on budget, and negotiating contracts with vendors.
• Recruit and manage IT staff. This includes hiring and training new employees, as well as evaluating and developing the skills of existing employees.
• Maintain relationships with IT vendors. This includes working with vendors to develop and implement new IT solutions, as well as resolving any problems that may arise.
• Keep up to date on the latest IT trends. This involves reading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other IT professionals.
• Communicate and manage change effectively to internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner, taking particular care in the implementation of the management information system and the changes in relation to increasing workloads for staff, dealing with questions, resistance and potential challenges from staff in a diplomatic and sensitive manner.
• Lead on special projects where IT expertise is fundamental to ensure successful delivery.
• Oversee NIHR Academy IT security and compliance with industry standard.
• Oversee the Academy's Continuous Improvement process

The Assistant Director - Information Systems and Support is a critical member of the senior management team and plays a vital role in the success of any organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that the organisation's IT systems are reliable, secure, and efficient. They also need to be able to balance the needs of the business with the needs of the IT department.

To be successful in this role, the Assistant Director - Information Systems and Support must have a strong understanding of IT systems, as well as the business needs of the organisation. They must also be able to effectively manage people, budgets, and projects.

Profile

Significant experience of working at a senior level in an IS management role

Experience of management at a senior level

Sound technical understanding of information management systems

Experience of negotiating with suppliers and third parties at all levels

Experiencing managing a team, including direct line management experience

Knowledge of the following: Data Protection Act (1984/1998), Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

GDPR (2018)

Knowledge of Cyber Security best practice

Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture and industry best practice

Strong relationship management skills and an ability to negotiate and facilitate.

Effective and inclusive leadership at a senior level

Effective communicator, both written and verbal across all levels within an organisation.

Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Ability to make decisions at the appropriate time with limited referral, taking into account the need of the situation, priorities, constraints and the availability of necessary information.

Ability to deal with complex problems and situations that require both controlled and sensitive resolution

Well organised and adaptable.

Knowledge of Windows operating systems and MS Office applications including MS Project and MS Visio.

Willingness to keep abreast of and having a keen interest in IT developments which can be introduced in a research management setting.

Advanced oral and written communication skills.

Ability to analyse, interpret and present complex information .

Job Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to bring your inclusive, supportive and compassionate leadership style to a public sector organisation with a real zest and mission.

In addition to the competitive salary, a superb benefits package is also available, as well as a sensible hybrid working arrangement.