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: Collaborative team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of higher education and influence key decision-makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
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.
Essentials
- 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 (Higher Education) 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 opportunity to drive significant organisational change and influence the academic landscape. With a collaborative work culture, hybrid working options, and a commitment to professional development, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave and a matched pension scheme. If you're looking for an employer that empowers you with the tools and autonomy to succeed, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Contact Details:
Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Higher Education) in Milton Keynes
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the higher education sector. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at universities. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Experience
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing multiple projects and your ability to influence stakeholders. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table, especially in a role that requires both strategic and operational expertise.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the university and the specific transformation programme they’re running. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in their goals and challenges. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨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’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in higher education, so let’s get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Higher Education) 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 achievements in higher education or organisational change. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the university's transformation goals. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this exciting opportunity.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and various teams, be sure to highlight your stakeholder management experience. Share examples of how you've influenced change and navigated complex environments in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply 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 see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd
✨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. Think about times when you successfully influenced senior executives or navigated complex organisational environments. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to engage with university leaders and project teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Approach
Be prepared to discuss your collaborative and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Share specific instances where you've tackled challenges in project delivery, especially in educational settings. This will illustrate your ability to support teams through the day-to-day realities of delivery.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the university's current academic operating model and any recent changes they've implemented. During the interview, express how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their strategic goals. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in making a meaningful impact.
