At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major transformation programme to modernise operations and enhance digital capabilities.
- Company: Queen Margaret University, a values-led institution focused on positive social impact.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and institutional effectiveness.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in higher education through innovative change and digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading complex organisational change and transformation programmes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a values‑led university focused on education, research and innovation that creates positive social impact. Based on a modern campus near Edinburgh, QMU is known for its inclusive, person‑centred approach and strengths across healthcare, social sciences, creative arts, business, enterprise and teaching. QMU is embarking on a significant period of transformation to strengthen financial sustainability, modernise operations and accelerate digital capability across the University.
Reporting to the Principal & Vice‑Chancellor, the Senior Transformation Programme Director will lead the delivery of a major institution‑wide transformation programme over a two‑year period. This high‑profile leadership role will oversee the redesign of the University’s operating model alongside the development of a more digitally enabled organisation. Working closely with senior leaders across academic and professional services, you will bring structure, pace and delivery focus to a complex portfolio of change.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Lead the delivery of QMU’s transformation and financial recovery programme, translating strategy into a clear implementation roadmap with defined milestones and outcomes.
- Establish and lead a Transformation Office/PMO, ensuring strong governance, integrated planning, RAID management and benefits tracking.
- Drive operating model redesign, process optimisation and service improvement to reduce complexity and improve efficiency.
- Oversee delivery of the University’s digital spine, supporting automation, analytics, improved data quality and better decision‑making.
- Support organisational change in partnership with senior leaders and HR, helping embed a culture of continuous improvement.
- Advise the Senior Leadership Team on programme governance, risks, reporting and delivery priorities.
- Explore opportunities to enhance institutional effectiveness through AI, advanced analytics and emerging technologies.
About You
You will be an experienced transformation leader with a strong track record of delivering complex organisational change, ideally within Higher Education or similarly complex environments. You should bring experience of leading large‑scale transformation programmes, operating model redesign and PMO leadership, alongside the ability to translate strategy into delivery at pace. Strong stakeholder management skills, commercial awareness and an understanding of digital and data‑led transformation are essential. Experience of financial recovery, shared services, enterprise systems or AI‑enabled transformation would be advantageous.
Senior Transformation Programme Director employer: Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong focus on personal and professional development, employees benefit from opportunities to lead transformative initiatives that create meaningful social impact. The university's commitment to innovation and digital advancement ensures that staff are at the forefront of change, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Transformation Programme Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector or related fields. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to chat about transformation and digital capabilities. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading transformation programmes. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved efficiency in previous roles. This will help them see you as the ideal candidate for their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching QMU's current transformation initiatives. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your skills can help them achieve success. Tailoring your responses to their specific context will make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Senior Transformation Programme Director. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission to create positive social impact through education and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Transformation Programme Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Transformation Programme Director role. Highlight your transformation leadership experience and any relevant achievements in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about leading transformation at QMU. Be specific about how your background fits with our goals and the impact you can make.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to manage stakeholders effectively. Share examples of how you've navigated complex relationships and driven change in previous roles, especially in higher education or similar sectors.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Margaret University
✨Know Your Transformation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of transformation programmes, especially in higher education. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led similar initiatives and the outcomes achieved. This will show that you understand the complexities involved and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Stakeholder management is key for this role, so prepare to talk about how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where you navigated challenges or built consensus among diverse groups. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in a complex environment.
✨Get Familiar with Digital Trends
Since the role involves driving digital transformation, make sure you're up-to-date with the latest trends in AI, analytics, and digital tools. Be prepared to discuss how these technologies can enhance institutional effectiveness and how you've leveraged them in previous roles.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about QMU's transformation goals and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the university's vision aligns with your own values and expertise.
