Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Liverpool
Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives

Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Liverpool

Liverpool Full-Time 85000 - 96000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Burman Recruitment

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.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on education and shape the future of learning.
  • Qualifications: Experience in higher education and large-scale transformation is essential.
  • Other info: Opportunity for senior leadership exposure and career growth.

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 Liverpool employer: Burman Recruitment

As a large, forward-thinking education group based in London, we pride ourselves on our strong social mission and commitment to reducing inequalities through high-quality, skills-based learning. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with executive leadership on impactful strategic initiatives. With a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a robust benefits package, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful difference in the education sector.
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 Liverpool

✨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 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 transformation and change programmes. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in similar environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Liverpool

Strategic Leadership
Portfolio Management
Programme Management
Project Management
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Data Analysis
Risk Management
Team Leadership
Continuous Improvement
Collaboration
Influencing Skills
Adaptability

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 teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive change and influence at a high level, 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!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly 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.

Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives in Liverpool
Burman Recruitment
Location: Liverpool
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