At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects that shape the future of Newcastle University.
- Company: Join a globally recognised university committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous salary, holiday package, pension schemes, and health initiatives.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until August 2028 with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student and staff experiences while driving change.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48337 - 51258 £ per year.
Salary: 48,337 to 51,258 with progression to 57,666 per annum.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 29 November 2026
The Role
We are recruiting for a Transformation Programme/Project Manager to join our Transformation Team. This is an exciting opportunity and will allow you to support one of a number of cross-institution, strategic projects to shape the future of Newcastle University.
In order to be successful, you should have significant experience within a Programme and Project management role, with evidence of how you have successfully delivered projects to time within a multi-faceted organisation, and how you have utilised project methodologies to ensure success.
Demonstrable experience of driving and managing complex strategic, organisational and culture change with a focus on working with staff and teams to gain acceptance of change is key. Your relationship and stakeholder management skills will be vital to project success, along with a strength in interpersonal communication, negotiation and influencing abilities. Previous demonstrable experience aligning specifically with Estates and Facilities transformation and change would be beneficial, although not essential.
If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in, feel free to reach out and contact Sharon Burleigh, Head of Strategic Projects and Change, for more information.
To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how you meet the essential criteria of the role as outlined in the “Success Profile” of the job description.
*Fixed term contract duration until 31 August 2028
**Interviews will be held 9th December 2026
Purpose of the Role
Drive strategic transformation initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in institutional effectiveness, student and staff experience, and alignment with the university’s long-term vision. This role ensures that change projects result in tangible benefits and sustainable outcomes across academic and professional service areas.
Key Outcomes & Accountabilities
- Strategic Project Delivery: Successfully deliver transformation programmes that align with institutional priorities, achieving agreed scope, budget, and timelines. Ensure each project contributes to measurable improvements in operational efficiency, service quality, or user experience.
- Benefit Realisation: Agree and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for each initiative. Ensure benefits are realised and sustained post-implementation, with clear reporting to governance boards.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Change Adoption: Ensure high levels of stakeholder engagement and satisfaction across academic, administrative, and external partners. Collaborate with Change Managers to ensure adoption rates exceed targets and change is embedded effectively.
- Governance & Risk Management: Maintain robust governance structures and risk registers that proactively identify and mitigate issues. Ensure timely escalation and resolution of critical risks and dependencies.
- Capability Building: Enhance the university’s project delivery capability by promoting best practices and mentoring colleagues. Contribute to the development of a transformation toolkit tailored to the higher education context.
Success Profile
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Demonstrated success in leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects with measurable outcomes.
- Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile, PMI) and benefit tracking.
- Strong communication and influencing skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience in digital transformation, student experience enhancement, or operational efficiency projects.
- Understanding of university governance, funding models, and strategic planning.
- Familiarity with change management principles and collaboration with change professionals.
Attributes:
- Outcome-focused, adaptable, and proactive.
- Credible leader with strong influencing skills, even without direct line authority.
- Professional, quality-driven, and collaborative.
Qualifications:
- Desirable: Formal project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, AgilePM).
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Transformation Programme/Project Manager in Belfast employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among its team members. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that enhance the university's reputation. Located in the heart of Newcastle, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that values innovation and offers a fulfilling career path in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transformation Programme/Project Manager in Belfast
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Newcastle University. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Newcastle University.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Newcastle University.
We think you need these skills to ace Transformation Programme/Project Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Newcastle University and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Newcastle University will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Newcastle University.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Newcastle University.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Newcastle University. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
