Head of strategic programmes in London

The role:
Jisc is undertaking a significant strategic investment programme (circa £300m over four years) to enhance the critical network and cyber security infrastructure and services that support the UK's research, education and innovation sectors.
As Head of Strategic Programmes, you will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of this complex transformation programme, ensuring robust governance, effective stakeholder engagement, strong financial control and the realisation of strategic benefits.
You’ll drive the end-to-end delivery of initiatives that modernise network architecture and technology, improve resilience and service performance, introduce automation and orchestration capabilities, and embed a forward-thinking operating model. In doing so, you’ll help enable the next generation of digital services and capabilities for our customers.
Working closely with colleagues, customers, partners and stakeholders across and beyond Jisc, you’ll build strong relationships, align priorities, and ensure that critical information is communicated effectively throughout the programme lifecycle.
You’ll be accountable for coordinating multiple interconnected workstreams spanning technical, operational, commercial and stakeholder activity. Using your leadership, strategic thinking and programme delivery expertise, you’ll ensure successful outcomes that meet customer needs and support Jisc's long-term strategic ambitions.
What you’ll be doing:
Programme Leadership & Delivery
Own and deliver the Janet and cyber security transformation programmes from initiation through to benefit realisation, aligning programme phases and milestones with investment plans and strategic priorities.
Drive and support individual projects within the overarching programmes.
Stakeholder Management
Manage complex stakeholder expectations and resolve conflicts effectively.
Technical & Network Transformation Oversight
Oversee the evolution of large-scale network infrastructure ensuring alignment with emerging technologies (e.g. automation, network observability, security improvements).
Commercial & Supplier Management
Oversee contracts, procurement activities, and supplier performance.
Risk, Governance & Assurance
Identify and manage programme risks, issues, and dependencies.
Financial Management
Ensure robust financial governance and reporting.
Change & Transformation
Drive organisational change associated with network transformation.
What we are looking for:
Significant experience leading large-scale, strategic transformation programmes.
A track record of delivering complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders and suppliers.
Expertise in programme governance, assurance, risk and financial management.
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including engagement at executive level.
Demonstrable experience delivering organisational change and benefits realisation.
An in-depth understanding of work management methodologies including MSP, PRINCE2 and Agile.
Current or previously qualified MSP practitioner.
Hybrid working:
Specific patterns for working in the office are not mandated, and the frequency of time worked in the office is agreed with your manager. Meeting in person is something we value, so you may need to travel on occasion to any of our hub offices.
Why work for us?
At Jisc, every role is meaningful, and every individual is valued. We foster a culture of continuous learning and personal growth, offering opportunities to develop new skills and make a real impact in education and research. With a strong focus on work-life balance, we embrace flexible working that prioritises outcomes over hours, empowering you to create a rhythm that energises both your professional and personal life.
Our Guiding Principles:
Jisc’s culture is powered by our four guiding principles: putting customers first, driving innovation, creating impact, and championing inclusive collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes and shape a better future.
Discover the amazing benefits we provide! Here’s what you can look forward to:
Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
31 days annual leave (plus