At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Project Leadership Programme, ensuring high standards of service and support.
- Company: Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate university with global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and client-facing roles, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 37897 - 45580 £ per year.
The Cranfield University Commercial Team welcomes applications for the Project Leadership Programme. We are seeking candidates with substantial Programme Management experience within an Executive or Higher Education environment, particularly those with a strong track record of working with public sector clients.
The Programme contract requires the delivery of consistently high standards of customer service to programme delegates, our client and partners, alongside effective support for internal stakeholders (primarily Faculty members and Associates delivering the Programme). In this role, the successful candidate will provide efficient, accurate and proactive programme support to delegates on the Project Leadership Programme, while also promoting their wellbeing throughout their time at Cranfield.
The successful candidate will work specifically on this contract, focused on providing a fully integrated, cost-effective and progressive service in support of the Project Leadership Programme (PLP), aligned to the SLAs set out in the contract. They will work aligned with the PLP Programme Director and delivery team to build and maintain relationships with the key client, whilst ensuring all events are delivered on time and to a high standard.
With prior experience of working in service delivery roles, you will be able to demonstrate a track record of devising and delivering relevant, well-planned, engaging and innovative events. You will have significant and relevant work experience in client-facing roles and will also be able to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a team.
Fully conversant with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, you will also be experienced in using large customer contact databases and working with web software. Professional and credible, with a passion for delivering excellent customer service, you will also be able to demonstrate that you are able to work with a high level of accuracy to deliver our programmes on time and to the standards required. A background in Higher Education would be an advantage.
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally.
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families.
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Louise Gardener, Acting Head of Business Operations, or Krystle Coles, Apprenticeship Operations Manager. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 12 April 2026.
Programme Manager - Project Leadership Programme in Cranfield employer: Cranfield Water
Cranfield University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, staff are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to impactful projects in higher education. The university's inclusive culture and dedication to diversity make it a rewarding place to work, particularly for those passionate about leadership and innovation in technology and management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Project Leadership Programme in Cranfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cranfield University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the Programme Manager role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Cranfield's values and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the culture. Tailor our answers to reflect their ambition and community spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with us. This will help us articulate our experience in programme management and client-facing roles clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Cranfield team.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Project Leadership Programme in Cranfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your Programme Management experience, especially in the Executive or Higher Education environment. We want to see how your background aligns with the Project Leadership Programme!
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:Since delivering high standards of customer service is key for this role, share specific examples of how you've excelled in client-facing roles. We love to see your passion for supporting others shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
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 the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield Water
✨Know Your Programme Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your programme management knowledge, especially in the context of higher education and public sector clients. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the Project Leadership Programme.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since delivering high standards of customer service is key for this role, prepare examples that highlight your ability to engage with clients and stakeholders effectively. Think about specific situations where you went above and beyond to ensure satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Experience
Be prepared to talk about your experience leading teams. Share stories that illustrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed projects or events, particularly in a client-facing environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cranfield's Values
Cranfield University values ambition, impact, respect, and community. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture during the interview.
