At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage major strategic projects at Durham University.
- Company: Durham University, a world-leading institution with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a prestigious environment.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experienced project manager with strong communication and change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Durham University has an ambitious strategy that will build on our world-leading research, education, and wider student experience. Over the coming years we will be investing in our people, estate, and IT infrastructure and our ways of working to ensure that we remain one of the World's great universities. We are looking for a Senior Project Manager to deliver major strategic projects.
The Strategy Delivery Unit is focussed on co-ordinating and facilitating the implementation of the University's ambitious strategic plans. There are three teams within the unit covering the activities of portfolio management, change and project delivery and continuous improvement. The role will sit in the Change and Projects team but will deliver projects across the University.
The purpose of the role is to manage the delivery of projects within assigned parameters including scope, schedule, finance, risk, quality and resource. The role will be required to:
- Lead the planning and implementation of projects
- Collect and analyse stakeholder feedback to help define needs and requirements and the design of key deliverables
- Oversee and manage project scope, tasks, deliverables, and timelines
- Identify and manage project dependencies and the critical path
- Matrix manage staff teams
- Facilitate the delivery of benefits
The successful candidate will be an experienced project manager with a good understanding of project and change methodologies and techniques. They will be able to build trusted relationships with teams across the university, will be a good communicator, and will be tenacious and pragmatic. They will have experience of delivering change in complex environments, plus, they will be excited about - and motivated by - Durham University's ambition and the opportunity to play a key part in making it happen.
This is a hybrid role with a minimum expectation of two office-based days each week. Candidates should be willing and able to increase their office attendance, up to five days per week when required by business needs.
This is a fixed term role for 2 years.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Senior Project Manager - Durham in Wylam employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes understanding of diverse cultures. Located in a historic city, the university provides a unique setting for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager - Durham in Wylam
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Durham University. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Durham University.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Durham University.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager - Durham in Wylam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Durham University and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Durham University will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Durham University.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Durham University.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Durham University. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
