Location: London, Bristol, Manchester or Oxford (Hybrid)
Classification: Information Technology
Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker visa available
Posted: August 12, 2025
Job Title
Deputy Director of Software Development – Hybrid
Jisc Grade: TSO4
Salary: £80,000 – £85,000 per annum (negotiable, depending on experience)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Director of Software
About the Role
Jisc is seeking an exceptional leader to oversee a major transformation programme for UK Student Data collection. As Deputy Director of Software Development, you will manage a department of around 70 staff, ensuring strategic delivery, technical excellence, and alignment with national policy objectives. You will work within the Software Development Group (SDG), with oversight of the SDG-Collections department, guiding the team through significant business transformation while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for SDG-Collections, ensuring technical and operational objectives are met.
- Lead on software architecture, development methodologies, testing frameworks, and vendor management.
- Contribute to the wider SDG leadership team.
- Manage senior managers and foster high-performance culture.
- Align software development strategy with product objectives.
- Manage internal and external stakeholders.
- Control large budgets, ensuring value for money.
Key Skills & Experience
Technical & Delivery Expertise
- Extensive software development leadership experience.
- Strong background in agile delivery and large-scale system architecture.
- Proven track record in greenfield project delivery.
- Experience managing live production services.
Leadership & People Management
- Skilled at developing high-performing teams.
- Strong coaching, delegation, and decision-making skills.
- Able to navigate challenging conversations with professionalism.
Communication & Organisation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Highly organised with effective prioritisation skills.
Why Work for Jisc?
- Flexible working patterns.
- 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays and closure days at Christmas.
- Generous pension schemes.
- 24/7 mental health support.
- Annual performance award.
- Health care cash plan and wellbeing benefits.
- £250 home office allowance.
- Electric car lease, cycle to work, and SmartTech schemes.
- Family-friendly policies and volunteer leave.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Jisc values diversity and strives to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong, regardless of background or identity.
Application Process
Applications are welcomed from those who meet most, but not all, requirements. Jisc is a Skilled Worker visa sponsor but does not cover relocation, visa, or immigration costs.
For more information and to apply: Click here to apply
