Head of Architecture and IT Development

The job requirements are detailed below.

Job title Head of Architecture and IT Development Job reference BEDS
2976 Date posted 21/10/2026 Final date to receive applications 30/11/2026 Location Luton Salary Grade 9 £ 59,966 to £67,468 Contract FTC - 24 Months Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Job category/type Professional services Attachments Blank Job information

Job Title:

Head of Architecture and IT Development

Reference Number: BEDS
2976

Department / Faculty and Division: ICT

Salary:
Grade: 9 £ 59,966 to £67,468

Full-time / Part-time: 37h per week. Hybrid – 4 days onsite and 1 day remote per week

Permanent / Fixed-Term

Contract:

24-month fixed-term

Location:

Luton Campus

Closing date: 30 th November 2026

Interview date: 16 th December 2026

The University of Bedfordshire is seeking a talented and forward-thinking Head of Architecture and IT Development to lead our technical development capability and play a key role in delivering our ambitious digital transformation agenda.

Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), you will lead software development, solution architecture, application integration, and modernisation across the University. This hands‑on technical leadership role combines strategic direction and people management with practical involvement in coding, solution design, troubleshooting, and technical delivery.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technical professionals, driving high standards and continuous improvement.
• Shape solution architecture and modernise enterprise applications, integrations, and cloud services.
• Remain hands‑on with coding, technical design, code reviews, and complex problem‑solving.
• Champion modern development practices, including Dev Ops, automation, AI-assisted development, and secure coding.
• Work closely with the CIO and senior stakeholders to deliver technology solutions supporting the University's digital transformation.

• Strong technical expertise in .NET and/or Python, SQL, APIs and Microsoft Azure.
• Proven experience leading development teams while remaining technically hands‑on.
• Experience in solution architecture, cloud integration, Dev Ops, and modern development practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• A passion for technology, innovation, and developing people.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Minesh Tailor via mail :

Interviews will be held on the 16 th December 2026

We kindly request that all applicants refrain from canvassing during the shortlisting process. Your applications will be thoroughly reviewed, and you will be contacted and informed of the outcome of in due course

The post will be based at Luton Campus (with travel to other campuses as required)

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.

At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.

We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities the diversity of talent and thought creates.

We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies.

Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.