At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive organisational transformation in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: A forward-thinking education group with a strong social mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, strong pension, and flexible options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape impactful strategies and work closely with executive leadership.
- 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 Leeds employer: Burman Recruitment
As a large, forward-thinking education group based in London, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions social impact and equality. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in leadership roles like the Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements, and a robust benefits package, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with strategic initiatives. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in leading large-scale transformations and how it aligns with the organisation’s objectives. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Leeds
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 requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience working with C-suite executives and leading high-performing teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive change and influence stakeholders effectively, so don’t hold back on those examples!
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. We appreciate clarity and directness!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 about managing multiple initiatives and handling ambiguity. Prepare specific scenarios from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to drive strategy execution under pressure.
✨Engage with Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about their current challenges and future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
