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 stakeholder engagement 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.
- 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
- Higher Education sector 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 (Business Transformation) in Milton Keynes employer: Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd
Join a leading university in the Milton Keynes area as a Programme Manager, where you will have the unique opportunity to drive significant organisational change within a collaborative and supportive environment. With a focus on professional development, hybrid working arrangements, and a generous leave package, this role empowers you to influence key decision-makers and make a lasting impact on the academic landscape. If you're seeking a meaningful career that offers both autonomy and the chance to lead transformative initiatives, this is the perfect place for you.
Contact Details:
Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Business Transformation) in Milton Keynes
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Informal Chat
Before you even get to the formal interview, try to have an informal chat with someone at the university or in the sector. This can give you insider info on what they’re really looking for and help you tailor your approach. Plus, it shows initiative, which is always a bonus!
✨Showcase Your Impact
When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, focus on how your past experiences have led to tangible results. We want to see how you’ve driven change and made a difference in previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really make your case stand out!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Business Transformation) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant transformation initiatives you've led. We want to see how you can drive change!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your experience in stakeholder management and navigating complex environments.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing quantifiable successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd
✨Know Your Transformation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of business transformation, especially in the context of higher education. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar projects and what strategies you used to engage stakeholders at all levels.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your excellent stakeholder management and influencing capabilities. Think about times when you navigated complex organisational environments and how you built relationships with senior executives and project teams.
✨Be Ready for Strategic and Operational Questions
Since this role operates at both strategic and operational levels, be prepared to answer questions that cover both areas. Think about how you would balance high-level planning with the day-to-day realities of project delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Approach
This role requires a collaborative and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with diverse teams to overcome challenges and ensure successful project outcomes, especially in academic settings.
