Head of Digital Systems and Delivery, ISM United Kingdom Education and Society

Location: City of Edinburgh

## Head of Digital Systems and Delivery, ISMUnited Kingdom Apply Now Find out how well you match with this jobJob ID49465

Posted At07/09/2026
** Purpose of the Role:
** We have a vacancy for a Head of Higher Education in Development, on an indefinite basis.

The role leads an embedded and connected digital enabling function operating across the ISM programme and pathway structure. The function provides specialist programme-wide capability supporting systems integration, operational coordination, digitally enabled delivery and insight-informed working across pathways.

The role works in close partnership with the SRO and programme pathway leads, as well as the management and delivery function to support integrated planning, operational coordination and delivery effectiveness across the programme lifecycle.

The role also works closely with the organisation’s Digital and Technology (D&T) function, alongside enterprise and programme digital product owners, to support effective governance, integration and operational coordination across the ISM digital environment.

The role provides essential, specialist digital leadership and coordination across programme systems, operational delivery and participant-facing digital infrastructure, supporting integrated and insight-informed delivery across the ISM programme environment.

You will provide strategic leadership for the programme’s embedded digital enabling function, supporting integrated programme and pathway delivery through effective digital coordination, systems integration, operational consistency and data-informed working.

You will lead the programme application and operational coordination of enterprise and programme-specific digital systems and participant data environments, ensuring effective governance, usability, alignment and continuous improvement across the ISM digital ecosystem.
** Accountabilities are, but not limited to:
** Strategy, Integration and Digital Delivery
* Lead the strategic development, integration and continuous improvement of digital systems, platforms and operational workflows across the ISM lifecycle.
* Develop and maintain an integrated digital operating model supporting effective programme and pathway delivery, operational efficiency, scalability and digitally enable participant engagement.
* Oversee complex digital delivery and systems integration activity across the programme environment, ensuring effective coordination, implementation oversight and operational alignment across multiple stakeholders and delivery teams.

Governance and Operational Coordination
* Act as the programme’s senior interface with D&T, enterprise and programme digital product owners, pathway leads and corporate functions, supporting effective governance, alignment and programme application of digital systems.
* Work closely with ISM pathway and programme teams to support integrated and sustainable digital delivery practices across programme operations, supporting coordination and consistency across programme systems, workflows, reporting processes and participant-facing digital activity.
* Ensure programme digital activity aligns with organisational standards relating to accessibility, safeguarding, data protection, cyber security and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Reporting, Insight and Continuous Improvement
* Work closely with Programme Management & Delivery and MEL colleagues to support coherent approaches to programme reporting, operational performance measurement and participant insight across the ISM environment.
* Support the effective coordination and use of programme reporting systems, participant data environments and digital reporting tools to strengthen operational visibility and programme delivery.
* Promote the effective use of operational data, engagement insight and delivery reporting to support continuous improvement across programme delivery activity.

Leadership and Management
* Lead and develop the ISM digital systems and delivery team, establishing effective ways of working and a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
* Provide specialist advice and leadership across programme and pathway teams on digital systems, operational…