At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a transformative programme to reshape academic delivery at a major university.
- Company: Join a prestigious university committed to meaningful organisational change.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, hybrid working, 30 days leave, and professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and higher education sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced programme or project or Registry / Student Administration Leader looking for an opportunity to drive meaningful organisational change at scale? We're partnering with a university who is seeking a Strategic Programme Delivery Manager to lead a high-profile transformation programme that will reshape how academic delivery is planned, governed and supported across the institution.
This is a unique opportunity to step into a visible and influential role at the heart of a major university-wide change programme, if you're looking for an employer who gives you the tools and autonomy to deliver - this is it.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the PMO Manager, you will take ownership of a six-project transformation portfolio that will fundamentally change the University's academic operating model. The programme will transition faculties from a four-term to a three-term structure while introducing a more consistent academic framework across the institution. Success will require coordination across curriculum design, policy and compliance, timetabling, workload planning, student systems and academic operations.
This is not a traditional programme governance role. You will operate across both strategic and delivery levels, providing programme leadership while also supporting project teams with planning, stakeholder management, risk mitigation and execution. You will work closely with senior leaders, project sponsors, academics and professional services teams to ensure successful delivery against a critical September 2027 implementation deadline.
About You
We are looking for an experienced programme or project professional who combines operational/ business transformation with delivery capability. You will be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, able to engage senior executives while also supporting teams through the day-to-day realities of delivery.
- Higher Education sector experience - Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong programme planning, governance and delivery skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capability
- Experience navigating complex organisational environments
- A collaborative and pragmatic approach to problem solving
- Confidence working with stakeholders at all levels
Desirable Experience
- Academic Registry or Student Administration experience
- Experience supporting academic operating model change
- Exposure to academic calendar transformation or curriculum change initiatives
- Formal project management qualifications
Why Join?
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Lead one of the University's most significant strategic transformation programmes
- Work directly with executive leadership and key decision-makers
- Influence change across the entire institution
- Deliver a complex programme with genuine organisational impact
- Gain exposure to strategic, operational and change leadership challenges
- Join a collaborative and supportive transformation team
- Benefit from a structured six-week handover from the current programme lead
Package
- Fixed-term maternity cover contract - 14 months
- Salary up to £60,000
- Hybrid working with 3-4 days per week on campus
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and University closure days
- Matched pension scheme
- Professional development opportunities
If you are looking for a role where you can make a visible impact, influence senior stakeholders and help shape the future direction of a university, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out to Yafet Okubet on y.okubet@gravitasgroup.com to have an informal conversation.
Programme Manager (Operational) in Milton Keynes employer: Gravitas Group
Join a prestigious university in the Milton Keynes area as a Programme Manager, where you will lead transformative initiatives that shape academic delivery. With a strong focus on employee growth, this role offers a collaborative work culture, hybrid working options, and generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave and professional development opportunities. This is an exceptional chance to make a meaningful impact while working closely with senior leadership in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Operational) in Milton Keynes
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the university. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Experience
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in managing multiple projects and your ability to navigate complex environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led transformations in the past.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research the university's current challenges and think about how your skills can help address them. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you're genuinely interested in their transformation programme and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Operational) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Programme Manager. Highlight your experience in managing multiple projects and any relevant higher education sector experience. We want to see how you can drive meaningful change!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Share specific examples of your programme planning and stakeholder management skills, and let us know how you can influence change.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:This role requires a collaborative approach, so make sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Talk about how you've successfully worked with senior leaders and project teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can engage at all levels!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gravitas Group
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the transformation programme you'll be managing. Understand the key objectives, stakeholders involved, and the expected outcomes. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your readiness to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing diverse stakeholders. Discuss how you've navigated complex organisational environments and influenced decision-making. This is crucial for a role that requires collaboration across various teams and levels.
✨Demonstrate Strategic and Operational Balance
Be ready to discuss how you balance strategic thinking with operational execution. Share instances where you've successfully led projects from conception to delivery, ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals while managing day-to-day challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the university's current challenges and the transformation programme. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.
