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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive organisational transformation in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Forward-thinking education group focused on social impact and reducing inequalities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong pension, flexible working, and hybrid options.
- Other info: Opportunity for senior leadership exposure and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real difference in learners' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in higher education and large-scale transformation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 96000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £85,000 – £96,000 + benefits
Contract: FTC until August 2026
About the Organisation:
We are a large, forward-thinking education group with a strong social mission, focused on delivering high-quality, skills-based learning and driving economic and social impact. With a diverse network of institutions, partners, and stakeholders, we are committed to reducing inequalities, creating opportunity, and supporting learners into meaningful careers.
The Opportunity:
This is a high-impact leadership role working directly with the CEO and Executive team to drive delivery of a major organisational strategy. You will lead the coordination and execution of a complex portfolio of strategic initiatives, spanning people, process, technology, and partnerships, ensuring successful implementation at scale. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, transformation-led environment and is comfortable operating at executive level.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end coordination of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment to organisational priorities
- Establish and embed portfolio management frameworks, including prioritisation, governance, and reporting
- Drive best practice in programme and project delivery, ensuring consistent execution across initiatives
- Develop and maintain strategic roadmaps, identifying dependencies, risks, and delivery milestones
- Partner with Finance and Executive leadership to ensure alignment between strategy, planning, and investment
- Provide insightful reporting and data-led performance tracking to senior stakeholders
- Identify risks and issues early, ensuring timely escalation and resolution
- Lead or support CEO-sponsored strategic projects as required
- Represent senior leadership in external engagements with sector bodies, partners, and stakeholders
- Build and lead high-performing teams, developing capability across change and delivery functions
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and organisational learning
About You:
You will bring a blend of strategic leadership, delivery expertise, and stakeholder influence, with the ability to operate across complex environments.
Essential:
- Strong experience delivering large-scale transformation and change programmes
- Higher Education experience is a MUST
- Expertise in portfolio, programme, and project management (P3M)
- Proven ability to work with C-suite / executive leadership to drive strategy execution
- Experience managing multiple, complex initiatives simultaneously
- Strong understanding of technology-enabled change and transformation
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and influencing skills
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Collaborative leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively
Highly Desirable:
- Knowledge of post-16 education systems (FE/HE/apprenticeships)
- Background in business development, partnerships, or fundraising
- Relevant qualifications (e.g. MBA, Agile, PRINCE2, MSP, or equivalent)
What’s on Offer:
- Senior leadership role with direct exposure to executive decision-making
- Opportunity to shape and deliver a major strategic transformation agenda
- Hybrid working (typically ~40% remote)
- Strong pension and benefits package
- Flexible working options (including compressed hours / job share considered)
Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Crawley employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Interim Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation's strategic initiatives. Show us that you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your success in leading transformation and change programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. We often have roles that may not be widely advertised, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm and initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and summarising how you can contribute to their strategic initiatives can set you apart from other candidates. It’s all about keeping the conversation going!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic initiatives and transformation. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and the specific role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience working with C-suite executives and leading complex projects. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to drive strategy execution effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Know Your Strategic Initiatives
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's strategic initiatives. Understand their goals and how they align with your experience in delivering large-scale transformation. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your collaborative leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led high-performing teams. Highlight instances where you've influenced C-suite executives and navigated complex environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Prepare specific scenarios where you've identified risks early and implemented effective solutions, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Demonstrate your passion for education and social impact during the interview. Share your thoughts on reducing inequalities and creating opportunities, and how your background in higher education aligns with their values.