At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects that enhance the student experience and drive digital innovation.
- Company: Join Arden University, a forward-thinking institution transforming higher education.
- 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: Be part of a passionate team making education accessible and impactful for all.
- 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
About Arden University
We are an aspirational and multi‑award‑winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first‑choice university for career‑focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.
About our Department
Our Technology Department plays a central role in enabling Arden University to deliver an outstanding experience for both students and colleagues. From maintaining secure, reliable services to delivering innovative digital solutions, the team is at the forefront of transforming how the University operates, teaches and supports learning. With a team of around 65 technology professionals spanning Software Development, Enterprise Applications, Infrastructure, IT Operations, Cyber Security, Architecture and Project Delivery, we work collaboratively to design and deliver technology that has a meaningful impact across the organisation. We are investing in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance the student experience, support innovative teaching practices and empower colleagues to work more effectively.
About the Opportunity
As a Project Manager within Arden University’s Student Systems & Development team, you will play a key role in delivering technology and business change initiatives that support every stage of the student journey. Working across a diverse portfolio of IT and business‑sponsored projects, you will ensure solutions are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality, creating tangible benefits for students, colleagues and the wider University. You will lead projects from inception through to successful implementation, coordinating cross‑functional teams that include Business Analysts, Software Developers, technical specialists, academics and professional services colleagues. You will provide clear governance, manage risks and dependencies, and maintain regular communication through progress reporting, stakeholder engagement and solution demonstrations. From initial business analysis and requirements scoping through to testing, deployment, go‑live and handover into business‑as‑usual support, you will oversee the complete project lifecycle.
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.
Why Arden
At Arden, you will become a part of a passionate and dedicated team who are committed to removing unnecessary barriers to learning and making education more accessible. Employees benefit from:
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays on‑top, and even a Christmas closure!
- A 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
- Plus, other excellent benefits
- Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education
Our Values
Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness, reflect who we are as an institution, a team and as individuals. If they also reflect you and you are excited by the chance to be the driving, creative force within a growing business, we want to hear from you.
Closing Date
14th July
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Arden University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means that 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. If you wish to be considered under this scheme, you can indicate via the application form below. For more details on what qualifies as a disability under the Disability Equality Act 2010, please refer to the guidance here.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We make sure that our recruitment and selection processes never discriminate based upon people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances, and actively welcome applications from all groups.
Sponsorship statement
Please be aware that some roles may not meet the points requirement for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa, or fulfil the criteria we have for providing sponsorship. 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 Coventry 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 Coventry
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Student Systems and Development in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Arden University, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Arden University and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden University
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Arden University might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Arden University.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
