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, 30 days leave, hybrid working, 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.
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 to have an informal conversation.
Programme Manager (Business Transformation) 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, a generous leave package, and the flexibility of hybrid working, this role empowers you to make a meaningful impact while working closely with senior leadership and diverse teams. If you're seeking a role that offers both strategic influence and operational engagement, 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)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the university's current projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their mission and can drive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects or transformed processes in the past. This will help you stand out as a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Business Transformation)
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 transformation initiatives you've led. We want to see how your skills align with the university's needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about driving organisational change in higher education. Share specific examples of your stakeholder management and delivery capabilities that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:This role is all about teamwork, so make sure to highlight your collaborative approach in both your CV and cover letter. We want to know how you've successfully worked with diverse teams and influenced stakeholders at various 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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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. Understand the challenges and opportunities that come with changing academic operating models, as this will show your potential employer that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for a Programme Manager position, so think about times when you influenced decisions or navigated complex organisational environments. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and problem-solving.
✨Get Familiar with Their Current Projects
Research the university's current transformation initiatives and any recent changes they've made. This will not only help you understand their needs better but also allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Since this role involves engaging with senior executives, practice articulating your thoughts on strategic programme delivery. Be prepared to discuss how you would balance both strategic oversight and day-to-day project management, showcasing your ability to operate at multiple levels within the organisation.
