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 significant 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 to have an informal conversation.
Programme Manager (Higher Education) 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 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 (Higher Education)
✨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 navigate complex environments. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table and drive transformation.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the university and the specific programme you’re applying for. Understand their current challenges and think about how your background in academic operating model change can help. We love candidates who come prepared with insights and ideas!
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Higher Education)
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, especially in higher education or organisational change, to show us you’re the right fit.
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 candidate. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in previous roles. We want to see your influencing capabilities in action!
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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the transformation programme you'll be leading. Familiarise yourself with the university's current academic operating model and the proposed changes. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Think about times when you've navigated complex organisational environments and how you successfully managed relationships to drive project success.
✨Demonstrate Strategic and Operational Balance
Be ready to discuss how you balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operational support. Share specific instances where you've successfully operated at both levels, ensuring that you can lead a team while also managing the finer details of project delivery.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the university's goals. Inquire about the challenges they foresee in the transition to a three-term structure or how they envision the collaboration between faculties. This demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in making an impact.
