At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational projects and shape the future of Lancaster University.
- Company: Join a prestigious UK university with a commitment to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values diversity and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic initiatives that shape higher education.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading complex change and strong strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £59,966 to £67,468
Full time indefinite
Closing Date: Monday 07 September 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0782-26
Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University.
The opportunity
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking governance professional to join Lancaster University as Head of Strategic Projects. This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver transformational projects across a leading UK university as we prepare to launch our new Institutional Strategy for 2027-32. We are looking for someone with a strong track record of successfully delivering complex organisational change and transformation. You will help ensure that long-term strategic projects are clearly identified, prioritised and scoped, and that robust structures, governance and project management frameworks are in place to support effective delivery.
You Will:
- Shape and manage a portfolio of strategic projects aligned to University priorities.
- Support, coach and develop a team of project and programme managers.
- Strengthen programme and project management processes, governance and assurance.
- Ensure risks are effectively managed and benefits are clearly defined and measured.
- Oversee delivery plans, KPIs, budgets, milestones and dependencies.
- Provide clear, timely and transparent reporting to senior leaders and relevant University governing bodies.
- Build effective partnerships across senior academic and professional services stakeholders.
An understanding of higher education would be valuable, but more importantly we are looking for substantial experience of leading complex, organisation-wide strategic or transformational programmes in a large organisation.
About You:
- Recent experience of establishing, leading or managing a project or programme management function.
- Significant experience of delivering strategic or transformational change in a large and complex organisation.
- Strong strategic portfolio planning and prioritisation skills, with a clear focus on alignment, KPIs, benefits, timescales, budgets and rigorous governance.
- The ability to identify, manage and resolve strategic risks and issues.
- Strong influencing, collaboration and relationship-building skills in a complex, distributed decision-making environment.
- The ability to establish effective structures, processes and reporting that provide transparency and support sound decision-making.
You will also bring a relevant degree or professional qualification, or substantial relevant experience including extensive strategic management and leadership experience.
Why work with us:
- Competitive salary.
- Generous employer pension scheme.
- 39 days off a year including University closure days at Easter and Christmas and bank holidays.
- Family-friendly policies.
- Flexible benefits.
Find out more about our employee benefits at Lancaster University Jobs. Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based. Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Head of Strategic Projects - 0782-26 employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Projects - 0782-26
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Projects - 0782-26
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Lancaster University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Lancaster University. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Lancaster University, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Lancaster University, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Lancaster University could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Lancaster University as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
