Head of system management office

Sense is embarking on an exciting period of technology and data transformation, and we're looking for an inspiring leader to help shape our future.

We’re creating a brand‑new System Management Office (SMO) and this is your opportunity to build it from the ground up. As our first Head of System Management Office, you will design, establish, and lead this new function, putting in place the governance, collaboration networks, and lifecycle frameworks that will underpin how Sense manages and develops its Microsoft-based systems.

This role sits at the heart of one of Sense’s key strategic objectives. You’ll be central to ensuring our systems are robust, connected, user‑centred, and delivering real value for the people we support. This is a tech business partnering and governance‑focused role where people skills really matter. You'll bring groups together, empower system owners, and act as a driving force behind effective and consistent system management.

This is a full time, hybrid role with 2-3 days per week office presence in Birmingham and occasional travel to our London office.

• Create and lead a new organisational function: the System Management Office.
• Shape how systems are governed, improved, and integrated across Sense.
• Build and support a community of around 30 system owners, bringing people together, running events, and promoting shared learning.
• Develop clear roadmaps, performance reporting, lifecycle management processes, and standards aligned to best practice (ITIL, Agile, PRINCE2).
• Champion the Technology team, helping system owners access and make the most of internal expertise.
• Influence without direct authority, using collaboration and strong relationships to drive change.
• Support strategic transformation by promoting integration, automation, accessibility, cyber security, and data protection.

• Experienced in engaging a wide range of stakeholders in technology‑enabled change.
• Strong understanding of system lifecycle management and governance.
• Skilled in collaboration, communication, and building communities or PMO-style functions.
• Knowledgeable about Microsoft cloud technologies, cyber security, and compliance.
• ITIL Foundation (essential).
• Organised, proactive, and able to juggle multiple priorities.
• Passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and delivering meaningful impact.

• Shape and lead something completely new.
• Play a pivotal role in a major organisational transformation.
• Join a collaborative, values-driven organisation committed to inclusion and innovation.
• Be part of our Data & Technology Leadership Team, influencing key decisions.

We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability confident leader .

Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview, in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

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