Job Title: Director – IT & Digital – University of Aberdeen, India Campus
www.abdn.ac.uk/mumbai/
Location: Powai, Mumbai, India Department: IT Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer – India Campus Employment Type: Full-time
About The University And The Role
Founded more than five centuries ago, the University of Aberdeen is a leading research institution that drives innovation and prepares students for future careers. It is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 12th in the UK in the 2025 Guardian University Guide, and is listed among the top 250 universities worldwide in the 2025 QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
The University of Aberdeen will open its Mumbai campus in Powai in September 2026. At launch, it will offer six programmes: four-year undergraduate degrees in Computing, Data Science, Economics, and Business Management, along with one-year master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Administration.
We are seeking a visionary Director – IT & Digital to design, build, and lead the entire digital and technology ecosystem of the India campus. This role is critical in establishing a modern, secure, and scalable digital infrastructure that supports world-class teaching, learning, research, and campus operations.
Key Responsibilities
IT Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the campus's overall IT & digital transformation strategy aligned with the University of Aberdeen's global standards.
- Drive innovation through digital learning technologies, cloud infrastructure, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
- Provide strategic recommendations to the COO and global IT leadership on emerging technologies and digital roadmaps.
Infrastructure, Networks & Systems
- Own and oversee the end-to-end campus IT infrastructure, with explicit accountability for hardware lifecycle management, including:
- Servers, storage, end user computing devices (desktops, laptops, peripheral hardware)
- Network hardware (switches, routers, access points, firewalls)
- Audio visual hardware, smart classrooms, digital signage, and conferencing systems
- Plan, deploy, and maintain on premise, cloud, and hybrid infrastructure environments to support teaching, research, and administration.
- Ensure high availability, performance, redundancy, and secure operations of:
- Data centers / cloud-hosted environments
- Campus-wide wired and wireless networks
- Academic and administrative IT systems
- Establish preventive maintenance, asset tracking, and refresh cycles for all IT hardware.
Cybersecurity & Data Protection
- Establish comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, policies, and controls.
- Design, implement, and enforce a robust cybersecurity and data protection framework covering:
- Enterprise firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
- Endpoint protection, secure network segmentation, and monitoring tools
- Lead risk assessments, vulnerability management, incident response, and data privacy governance.
Digital Learning & Academic Technologies
- Implement and manage learning technologies such as LMS platforms, digital libraries, virtual labs, and online assessment tools.
- Partner with faculty to integrate technology into pedagogy effectively.
- Ensure seamless student and faculty experience across digital learning tools.
Enterprise Systems & Automation
- Support and enable the implementation and operation of enterprise systems such as ERP, HRIS, CRM, and student systems.
- Drive digital automation across admissions, finance, academic services, and student engagement.
- Implement best-in-class IT service delivery models (e.g., ITIL frameworks).
Vendor, Partner & Global Coordination
- Manage relationships with technology partners, vendors, cloud providers, cybersecurity firms, and ed-tech collaborators.
- Coordinate with University of Aberdeen's UK IT teams for system integration, governance, and technology standards.
Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing IT & digital team across infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity, and academic technologies.
- Provide mentoring, development, and succession planning.
Required Skills
- Technology Leadership: Ability to build and scale complex IT ecosystems.
- Cybersecurity & Governance: Deep understanding of risk, compliance, and data security frameworks.
- Digital Transformation: Experience leading major digital initiatives and institutional tech modernization.
- Operational Excellence: Strong capability in managing IT operations and service delivery.
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Skilled in negotiating with global technology providers.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, dashboards, and digital performance metrics.
- Communication & Collaboration: Strong ability to work with academic, administrative, and global teams.
- Team Leadership: Proven experience building and mentoring technical teams.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Digital Transformation, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in IT, digital transformation, or technology management.
- Prior experience in higher education, large enterprises, or multi-site digital environments preferred.
Why Join Us
- Join the founding team of a leading UK university establishing a centre of academic excellence in India.
- Play a key role in expanding world-class opportunities for students in India.
- Contribute to building high-quality team, culture, and impact within a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
- Access competitive compensation and benefits.
