Job Description

Location

High Wycombe

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Salary Range

44,128 - 55,755

Hours per week

37

Closing Date

07/05/2025

Ref No

1776

Documents

VLE Implementation Manager JD

(Word, 59.24kb)

Full Time - Fixed Term Contract (9 months) - High Wycombe

Salary - 44,128 - 55,755 p.a.

Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That's why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.


Our University's DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.


The VLE implementation manager will support the Director of LEAP in leading and managing a major upgrade migration to Blackboard Ultra through to successful implementation. The role holder will work with key stakeholders to ensure a high-quality implementation of the VLE upgrade, including third-party integrations. They will also work collaboratively with the external VLE provider (Anthology) to ensure BNU is implementing the upgrade in the best way possible. They will set the direction for future VLE use at BNU, including construction of relevant templates and adoption of evidence-based approaches to digital pedagogy.


On a day-to-day basis, they will ensure smooth project management, taking responsibility to ensure the upgrade project is delivered successfully within scope, time and budget. They will oversee risk assessment and mitigation for technical, staff development, communications and stakeholder engagement, and work collaboratively with academics, learning technologists, business systems analysts and other key staff to ensure a successful VLE upgrade.

What we offer:

a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days) Hybrid working (dependent on business needs) training & development support opportunities contributory pension scheme discounted gym membership for our on-site gym a range of staff discounts with major retailers.



Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.


If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University's values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.


For further information about this role please contact Dr Katharine Hubbard (Katharine.hubbard@bucks.ac.uk)


All applications are to be made in full and online.



BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU's workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.


Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to [insert contact information or LM or People Team) if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you



We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: 7th May 2025

Interview Date: w/c 12th May 2025

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.


BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Virtual Learning Environment Implementation Manager

Faculty/Directorate:

Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice (LEAP)

Grade:

H

Location:

High Wycombe

Hours:

37

Responsible to:

Director of Learning Enhancement and Academic Practice

Responsible for:

No formal line management, but responsible for leading development of the VLE via the Learning Technologists (LEAP) and Business Systems Analysts (DTS)

Job Purpose:

The VLE implementation manager will support the Director of LEAP in leading and managing a major upgrade migration to Blackboard Ultra through to successful implementation. The role holder will work with key stakeholders to ensure a high-quality implementation of the VLE upgrade, including third-party integrations. They will also work collaboratively with the external VLE provider (Anthology) to ensure BNU is implementing the upgrade in the best way possible. They will set the direction for future VLE use at BNU, including construction of relevant templates and adoption of evidence based approaches to digital pedagogy. To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

Lead the VLE upgrade/migration project, supporting the Director of LEAP and Chief Information Officer in ensuring the success of the upgrade.

Ensure the upgraded system is inclusive, meets accessibility requirements, supports good learning design and meets current and future business needs.

Establish and implement a comprehensive project plan with success criteria, measures, risk mitigation, project timelines and key workstream to ensure the upgrade is delivered within scope, time and budget.

Identify, assess and mitigate technical and operational risks, including clear communication with all stakeholders.

Liaise with the VLE supplier (Anthology) and other third-party suppliers to manage deliverables, service level agreements, integration timelines and support escalation.

Provide effective and supportive stakeholder management across the institution to balance the needs of academic staff, professional services staff, learning designers, senior leaders and students.

Work with Learning Technologists, Business Systems Analysts and Senior Advisors in Pedagogy and Practice to plan and deliver effective training and support across the institution.

Work collaboratively across institutional governance structures, ensuring project progress, risks, and issues are reported appropriately.

Oversee the business communication strategy, ensuring all stakeholders are well informed and translating technical updates into clear actionable information for non-technical audiences.

Coordinate user engagement activities such as testing, feedback loops and pilot evaluations.

Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.

Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience


A/I


Relevant accreditation by a relevant professional body (e.g. CMALT, AdvanceHE).


A/I

Knowledge & Experience

Delivering an excellent customer experience


A/I


Expert knowledge of VLE design and implementation issues relevant to a whole institution upgrade


A/I


Expert knowledge of inclusive and effective VLE usage to support digital pedagogies


A/I


Experienced at leading project plans including business continuity during a VLE migration


Considerable experience of leading and managing VLE related projects at whole institution level, including working with multiple internal and external stakeholders


A/I


Proven track record in delivering excellence student/customer service


A/I

Skills

Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools


A/I


Excellent ability to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including academic staff, professional services staff and students.


A/I


Excellent ability to work to tight deadlines, proactively plan, prioritise and organise work of self and others.


A/I


Excellent ability to manage projects and resources, anticipating problems and planning workable solutions


A/I


Excellent presentation and delivery skills


A/I


Excellent team worker, with an ability to inspire and lead colleagues


A/I

Special Requirements

Willingness to travel and work in off-site locations and across all university campuses as required


A/I


Willingness to work out of hours/weekend working where specifically required.


A/I

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University.

The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Achieving results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.