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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting IT projects and drive change across the university.
- Company: Join Durham University, a globally recognised centre of educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days off, generous pension, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and project management experience required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Overview
The Computing and Information Services (CIS) has an annual operational budget in excess of £12m, multi-million pound programmes of change within the year, and approximately 185 staff. The Senior Leadership Team reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with portfolios including Strategy and Change; Operations; Information Systems; and Cyber Security. CIS works with departments across the university to provide academic, teaching and administrative services underpinning day-to-day activities.
The key responsibility of the role is delivering the required project deliverables within the specified time frame, cost and quality, and the role will also:
- Lead the planning and implementation of project initiatives.
- Identify and manage project dependencies, risks, issues and the critical path.
- Oversee and manage project scope, tasks, goals, deliverables and timelines in accordance with enterprise project management tools and philosophies.
- Monitor the progress of project(s), highlighting exceptions as required.
- Coordinate staff teams to deliver project successes.
- Support the delivery of project benefits as presented in the Business Case (in conjunction with others).
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – 42 days total per year; Christmas to New Year closure applies.
- Generous pension scheme with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- Parking, cycle to work scheme, discounts with local bus/train companies, and the Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Opportunities for professional and personal development, with dedicated time for development opportunities.
- Wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
- Volunteer opportunities and exclusive benefits through the benefits portal.
- Salary sacrifice schemes and visa support where relevant.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Durham’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles are embedded in the Staff Code of Conduct and Strategy. Applications from groups under-represented in the workforce are welcomed.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply / Person Specification
When applying, please provide evidence of skills and experience relevant to a similar role and the criteria listed below. Full details are at the end of this description.
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
- Industry recognised project management qualification.
- Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge to influence project delivery.
- Experience providing specialist advice to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior staff.
- Experience delivering complex IT projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience transitioning implementations into support and managing resulting impacts.
- Experience of project financial control.
- Significant experience delivering projects that realise their intended benefits.
Skills / Abilities / Knowledge
- Excellent spoken and written communication; ability to develop effective working relationships internally and externally.
- Strong digital competence across Microsoft Office and other apps.
- Knowledge of regulatory and organisational policy compliance.
- Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, leading teams to deliver large projects on time and on budget.
- Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.
- Good negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Track record of management and development experience or enhanced management qualifications.
- Experience of IT procurement.
- Experience delivering large-scale projects in the higher education sector.
How to apply
To progress to the assessment stage, evidence must be provided for each essential criterion in the person specification. The panel may consider/desire additional criteria at their discretion. Submitting your application: We prefer to receive applications online. You will receive updates via automated emails from the e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder for updates.
What you need to submit
- A CV
- A supporting statement outlining how you meet all criteria within the Person Specification.
Contact details
For information about the role please contact Michael Marley (Deputy Head of Project Management): michael.marley@durham.ac.uk
Typical Role Requirements
- Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
- Develop understanding of university policy and external developments relevant to the role.
- Ensure policy and regulatory standards are met by projects you are responsible for.
- Use professional knowledge to resolve problems and provide subject matter expertise.
- Provide specialist advice on analysis and interpretation of data relevant to your projects.
- Lead development and implementation of assigned projects; seek continual improvement.
- Ensure data handling is appropriate and secure.
- Oversee operational activity across assigned projects.
- Provide leadership and mentorship on projects as required.
- Support colleagues with demonstrations and training on project management software.
- Devolve responsibilities to ensure continuity of service.
- Support welfare and employment of staff on projects with professional guidance.
Planning and Organisation
- Contribute to operational and strategic plans relevant to your area.
- Scope, plan and implement large-scale initiatives.
- Oversee projects to deliver objectives and resolve issues.
- Provide oversight for short-term teams and analyse project progress to senior managers.
- Allocate and monitor budgets, expenditure and resources.
- Identify priorities for business plans and provide professional guidance.
- Build networks with key stakeholders across internal and external partners.
- Influence University policy and standards by leading meetings and sub-committees.
- Represent projects and the University at events.
Senior Project Manager employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common questions and discussing your past projects. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you need any adjustments during the process, just reach out to us – we’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet each criterion in the person specification. Be specific and give examples – we love a good story!
Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check all your details. Make sure your contact information is correct and that there are no typos. We don’t want to miss out on your application because of a small mistake!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our recruitment system for a smooth process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll receive updates directly from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the results achieved. This will show your depth of experience and ability to deliver complex IT projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, how you motivate team members, and how you handle conflicts. This will demonstrate your capability to manage diverse teams and drive project success.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the University’s Digital Strategy
Research Durham University's Digital Strategy and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Showing that you understand their vision will not only impress the interviewers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the department's current projects, challenges they face, or how they measure project success. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
