Director of MIS and Data Systems

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS) and Data Systems

Service Area: Corporate Services / MIS / IT
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: Circa £60,000
Responsible for: IT & MIS

The Role
We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Director of Management Information Systems (MIS) and Data Systems to lead and manage a key corporate services function with a diverse portfolio. The role involves providing visionary leadership to the MIS, Business Intelligence, Admissions, Exams, and IT teams, ensuring operational excellence, data compliance, and customer-focused service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

- Team Leadership: Lead and manage multiple teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, high performance, and customer service. Ensure staff management duties (appraisals, training, development) are carried out in accordance with my clients policy.

- Funding & Compliance: Oversee the management and monitoring of funding contracts, including ESFA and OfS funding, ensuring timely submissions of corporate returns (e.g., ILRs, HESEs), forecasting, data quality, and audit compliance.

- MIS Oversight: Take responsibility for the management of my clients MIS, including the student record database, reporting suites, ILRs, Admissions, Exams, and admin services. Ensure the integrity and availability of critical data systems.

- IT Services: Lead the provision of IT services, including hardware, software, networks, and all related systems for both staff and students.

- Data Reporting: Ensure that the ‘Information Dashboard’ and Power BI provide accurate, timely data tailored to the needs of all user levels. Produce ad-hoc reports as needed for the leadership team.

- Data Presentation: Regularly present key data insights to the Leadership Team, identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement.

- Funding Maximisation: Interpret and implement funding rules to ensure maximum funding is achieved, while maintaining strict audit compliance.

- Curriculum Compliance: Ensure that the curriculum delivery is aligned with funding requirements, and that appropriate evidence is in place to support learner eligibility, achievement, and programme delivery.

- Operational Efficiency: Monitor and streamline processes to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and excellent customer service across the MIS and IT teams.

- Data Protection Compliance: Ensure full compliance with the Data Protection Act, providing training and raising awareness across the College.

- Staff Management: Lead and manage the recruitment, performance reviews, and development of staff within the team.

- Budget & Contracts: Manage the departmental budgets, procurement processes, and contracts, recommending changes or improvements where necessary.

- Strategic Planning: Develop and deliver a business plan, self-assessment review (SAR), quality improvement plan, and service standards aligned with the strategic objectives.

- Innovation & Strategy: Drive innovation within the service and contribute to the development of a forward-thinking strategy for IT and data systems.

- Leadership Team Contribution: Actively contribute as a member of the Leadership Team, participating in cross-college initiatives and working groups where needed.

- Professional Development:Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with sector trends and maintain compliance with mandatory training.

- Safeguarding & Health & Safety: Ensure a safe learning and working environment in line with Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and procedures.

- Student-Centric Support: Actively support key processes that enhance the student experience, such as student admissions, enrolment, induction, and events (e.g., open days, graduation), alongside colleagues who have more direct student contact.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a crucial function within a forward-thinking organisation, driving innovation and efficiency while ensuring that my clients IT and data systems are fully aligned with strategic goals. If you are an experienced leader with a passion for MIS, data, and technology, we would love to hear from you.