Deputy Team Leader

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Team Leader (Unix Platform Services) to join us on a permanent basis.

About the Department 

• The Unix Platform Services Team sits within IT Services, providing the critical infrastructure that underpins the University’s operations.
• We are responsible for designing, maintaining, and developing Unix-based services that support research, teaching, and administration across the institution.
• We are a large team of Systems Engineers and Database Administrators, along with two other Deputy Team Leaders and a Technical Leader. This is a highly collaborative environment, where technical excellence, innovation, and service reliability are at the heart of what we do. 

About the Role

• As a key member of the Unix Platform Services Team, you will play a vital leadership role, managing approximately five technical team members and working closely with service and business owners to design, develop, and deliver critical IT services.
• The department is currently involved in the early stages of the University’s Digital Transformation Programme, which aims to define and implement agile methodologies and a product mindset. This position will be crucial in assisting the team to adapt to these new working methods. In collaboration with the Team Leader, you will develop roadmaps and vision boards, manage backlogs, and plan for long-term work activities. as well as manage backlogs and plan longer-term work.
• Together with the Team Leader and other deputies, you will take ownership of service delivery, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management. In addition, you will engage with stakeholders across the University, representing the team in committees and working groups.  

What We Offer

• 38 days of annual leave to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous maternity and adoption leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay leave, followed by additional statutory and unpaid leave options.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. 

About You

We are looking for a skilled IT professional with:

• Proven experience leading and managing technical teams, including recruitment, development, and performance management.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and IT service operations.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrable experience of learning technical skills – you do not need to be a Unix expert, but you will be working with those who are. 

Application Process

If you would like further information about the role, please contact: Michael Howe- (michael.howe@it.ox.ac.uk) 

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement outlining how you meet the selection criteria.
• Your CV.
• The details of two referees.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 22 April. 

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 May and will be held in person in central Oxford.

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