Senior Project Manager in Watford

We’re supporting a leading university through a major transformation programme and are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join them on a fixed-term contract until July 2026 (with potential to become permanent).

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape how the university manages and delivers change, supporting a major academic restructure, developing new governance and reporting frameworks, and helping to embed project management good practice institution-wide.

The Role

This is a newly created role designed to provide dedicated support to the university’s change and transformation agenda.

You’ll be working closely with senior leaders on two key priorities:

• Supporting the Academic Restructure: hands-on delivery and coordination of consultation activity, engagement, and implementation planning between now and early 2026.
• Establishing Programme and PMO Frameworks: developing tools, governance models, and reporting mechanisms to bring structure, visibility, and consistency to change activity across the institution.

This is both a strategic and practical role, ideal for someone who’s comfortable rolling their sleeves up to manage activity, while also introducing light-touch structure and governance in a developing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the delivery of major transformational projects across the university, working with initiative owners and stakeholders to implement change at pace.
• Support and coordinate the academic restructure consultation and implementation.
• Develop and maintain a consolidated programme plan, identifying interdependencies, milestones, and risks.
• Create and manage a reporting framework for strategic initiatives and the wider change programme.
• Develop a risk register and proactively identify and manage risks and issues.
• Build relationships across academic and professional services areas, providing guidance and support as a “critical friend.”
• Contribute to developing a centralised PMO function and promote consistent project management practices.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and propose actions to enhance delivery.

About You

We’re looking for a hands-on, adaptable project manager with experience in higher education who understands academic structures and governance. You’ll thrive in environments where change is ongoing and processes are still maturing.

Essential Experience:

• Significant experience managing complex projects or programmes within higher education.
• Knowledge of programme, project, and change management practices (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Experience managing restructuring or transformation initiatives with organisational impact.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Desirable:

• Experience helping to establish or improve PMO structures.
• APM or Change Management qualification.

Contract Details

• Start date: ASAP (early availability will be prioritised).
• Contract: Fixed-term to July 2026 (approx. 9 months), with scope to extend or become permanent.
• Hybrid model, 1-2 days a week onsite.
• Benefits:
• 6 weeks annual leave + additional closure days at Christmas and Easter
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free on-site gym membership

Culture & Fit

This is a supportive and collaborative environment, but one that’s still developing its change maturity. You’ll work closely with senior leaders in a small, fast-moving team, so flexibility, pragmatism, and a positive attitude are key.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a visible impact, bring good practice to life, and help build the foundations of a future PMO, this is a fantastic opportunity.