"Director of Research and Operations IT - Grade 10"

University of Liverpool - Directorate of People and Services - IT Services

Location:	Liverpool
Salary:	Competitive
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent

Placed On: 19th January 2026

Closes: 15th February 2026

Job Ref: 104794

The University of Liverpool is a globally recognised Russell Group institution, committed to transforming lives through world-class education, research, and innovation.

As they approach their 150th anniversary, their Liverpool 2031 strategic framework sets out an ambitious vision to be a connected, global university at the forefront of knowledge leadership.

Digital transformation is central to this vision. The University’s Digital Strategy underpins their strategic goals by embedding digital technologies across research, education, and operations. It aims to create a seamless, secure, and future-ready digital environment that enhances student outcomes, research excellence, and operational agility.

The Director of Research & Operations IT will play a pivotal role in delivering this transformation. Reporting to the Group Director IT and Digital, the postholder will lead the strategic development, security and operational delivery of the University’s core IT infrastructure, which supports 7k staff and over 30k students. Additionally, the Director will establish and oversee standards for partners delivering operational IT services across the international campuses.

The Director has responsibility for the full range of Infrastructure Services, Cyber Security, Research Computing, Service Management and Customer Services ensuring resilient, scalable and secure foundations for digital innovation. The role demands visionary leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to foster collaboration across academic and professional services for an organisation with global impact. The ability to manage the cyber risks facing an organisation with a global profile and build the team capable of securing their operational and research assets is essential.

With significant experience in leading enterprise-scale IT operations gained within a complex, multi-disciplinary organisational setting, you will have a proven track record of delivering resilient and scalable infrastructure services that support digital transformation. Equally importantly, you will be an IT professional who is values-led, who blends authentic, emotionally intelligent leadership with technical expertise, and who has delivered transformation.

To find out more and have an informal conversation please contact Mike Dixon at mike@dixonwalter.co.uk or on 0787 6751896, and see Director of Research and Operations IT | Dixon Walter.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

For full details and to apply online, please visit:

Director of Research and Operations IT | Dixon Walter