At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tech projects that enhance the student experience and drive business change.
- Company: Join Arden University, a forward-thinking institution focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, a generous pension plan, and free courses for you and your family.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' journeys while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Project Management qualification and experience in delivering complex IT projects required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58000 £ per year.
Salary: £48,000 - £58,000 per annum
Employment type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37
Reporting into: Head of Student Systems and Development
Department: IT
Closing Date: 14th July
Overview
As a Project Manager within Arden University’s Student Systems & Development team, you will lead technology and business change initiatives that support the entire student journey. You will manage cross‑functional teams, coordinate project activities, and ensure solutions are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality.
Responsibilities
- Lead projects from inception through to successful implementation, coordinating teams that include Business Analysts, Software Developers, technical specialists, academics and professional services colleagues.
- Work closely with programme managers and senior stakeholders to prioritise, plan and integrate initiatives into ongoing business activity.
- Provide governance, manage risks and dependencies, and maintain regular communication through progress reporting, stakeholder engagement and solution demonstrations.
- Oversee the complete project lifecycle from business analysis and requirements scoping, through testing, deployment, go‑live and handover into business‑as‑usual support.
About You – Essential skills / experience
- Formal Project Management qualification, such as PRINCE2, PMI, Agile, Scrum, ISEB or PPM.
- Significant experience delivering complex IT projects across multiple technology domains, including business applications, infrastructure, integrations, and data and analytics.
- Proven experience leading business and technology change initiatives within complex organisations.
- Strong project and change management expertise, with experience of applying a range of project delivery methodologies.
- Demonstrable experience managing projects throughout the full lifecycle, from initiation and planning through to implementation and handover.
- Experience managing project budgets, risks, dependencies, resources and delivery against agreed timescales.
- Proficiency with project management tools, including Microsoft Project or Project Server.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information and identify effective solutions.
- Excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across technical and non‑technical teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
- Strong customer focus, with a commitment to delivering high‑quality services and positive stakeholder outcomes.
- Experience leading and coordinating the work of cross‑functional teams to achieve successful project outcomes.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and share knowledge to support colleagues and continuous improvement.
- Sound understanding of relevant governance, legal and regulatory requirements relating to project delivery.
- Knowledge of Project Management Office (PMO) governance, standards and best practice.
Desirable skills / experience
- Knowledge of Student Information Systems (SIS/SRS), ideally including Tribal SITS, together with an understanding of relational databases and API/middleware integrations.
- Experience within the Higher Education sector would be advantageous.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays on‑top, and a Christmas closure.
- Generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
- BUPA Cash Plan
- Private Medical Insurance coverage (applies to certain job roles)
- Access to Perkbox benefits
- Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
- Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Arden University is a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability, as defined by the Disability Equality Act 2010, you may be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances, and actively welcome applications from all groups.
Sponsorship Statement
Some roles may not meet the points requirement for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa. However we welcome applications from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but may be eligible for a visa through an alternative route.
Project Manager - Student Systems and Development in Birmingham employer: Arden University
Arden University is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling role in higher education, particularly in Birmingham. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture, we prioritise employee growth and development, ensuring that our Associate Lecturers thrive in their teaching careers while making a meaningful impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Student Systems and Development in Birmingham
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Arden University values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Arden University might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Arden University!
✨Direct Apply to Arden University
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Arden University website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Student Systems and Development in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Arden University.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Arden University. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden University
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
