Assistant Principal: IT, MIS and Funding Wigan & Leigh College
Take the lead in data, funding & IT as the new Assistant Principal at Wigan & Leigh College and drive progress, performance and impact.
- Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester
Who we are
Led by our Principal & CEO, Anna Dawe OBE, Wigan & Leigh College is a leading college for technical excellence, driven by a mission to raise learning aspirations and help its community thrive socially and economically.
We have developed centres for excellence in a range of specific provision areas, including creative & performing arts, health & social care, sport and in engineering & construction.
We were recently chosen as the North-West Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTEC) by the Department for Education. This is a testament to the work undertaken by our construction staff and students. This accolade really resonates for a college that started life as a Technical Mining College over 100 years ago, in a borough that now has double the national rate of employment in the construction sector.
About
the role
Reporting to Dave Harrison, Vice Principal:
Funding & Data, our new Assistant Principal: IT, MIS and Funding, you will play a pivotal strategic role in shaping the college’s future through the intelligent use of information, resources and technology.
As a key member of our leadership team, you will ensure that data‑driven insights, robust digital infrastructure and effective funding strategies combine to deliver exceptional outcomes for learners and staff. This role is ideal for a forward‑thinking leader who can translate complex operational priorities into clear, impactful actions.
The appointed candidate will lead the development and implementation of a college‑wide data strategy, ensuring that accurate, timely information underpins performance monitoring, curriculum planning and quality improvement.
You will oversee all aspects of funding and compliance, ensuring the college maximises income while meeting all statutory and audit requirements. In addition, you will provide strategic leadership for IT services, guiding the roadmap for digital transformation, cyber security, infrastructure modernisation and the use of technology to enhance teaching, learning and organisational efficiency.
Working collaboratively with academic and corporate teams, you will ensure systems, processes and reporting mechanisms are streamlined, reliable and aligned with organisational goals. You will also lead and inspire specialist teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
Our new Assistant Principal: IT, MIS and Funding will directly strengthen the college’s ability to make informed decisions, secure sustainable funding and deliver high‑quality digital experiences.
Ultimately, your work will help create an environment where learners thrive, staff are empowered and the organisation remains agile, compliant and future‑focused.
Who we are looking for
Our ideal candidate to be our new Assistant Principal: IT, MIS and Funding will be an accomplished leader with substantial experience operating at a senior level within the education sector.
You will bring a strong track record in managing complex management information systems, alongside significant expertise in data strategy, funding and digital infrastructure. You will have deep knowledge of FE funding methodologies and experience of successfully managing multiple funding streams, including 16‑18, adult education, apprenticeships and higher education. Through this, you will possess the insight needed to drive accurate, compliant and high‑value returns for the organisation.
We also seek someone with an expert understanding of computerised student record systems, robust data governance practices and experience within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Our successful candidate will be a confident and inspiring leader who can motivate diverse teams and communicate complex information clearly. You will have analytical strengths, problem‑solving capabilities and be able to produce high‑quality reports which will support effective decision‑making across the college.
You will thrive under pressure,…
