Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value)
Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value)

Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value)

Full-Time 56623 - 65336 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver impactful programmes for governments and public sector organisations.
  • Company: Join Saïd Business School, a leader in Executive Education with a focus on societal challenges.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, pension scheme, discounted travel, and subsidised catering.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values unique perspectives and experiences.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by driving excellence in client engagement and programme delivery.
  • Qualifications: Senior project management experience and strong relationship-building skills required.

The predicted salary is between 56623 - 65336 £ per year.

Grade 9: £56,623 - £65,336 per annum including the Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per annum

Permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week)

At Saïd Business School, we deliver world‑class Executive Education that equips leaders to tackle society’s most complex challenges. Within our Executive Education portfolio, the Government and Public Value (GPV) function plays a vital role in partnering with governments, public sector organisations and mission‑driven institutions across the globe. We are seeking an exceptional Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery to lead a high‑performing delivery team, drive operational excellence and ensure outstanding client experiences across a diverse and strategically significant portfolio.

This is a senior leadership role for a commercially astute, relationship‑driven project management professional who thrives in complexity and is motivated by impact. You will operate at the intersection of strategy, operations and client engagement—ensuring our programmes meet the highest standards of quality, rigour and impact.

Key responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee the GPV client delivery team, providing clear direction and accountability.
  • Manage strategic projects in support of the GPV Director, including planning and onboarding of major clients.
  • Embed strong governance practices, proactively managing risk and ensuring transparent reporting.
  • Collaborate closely with Sales, Customer Relations, Faculty, Associate Fellows and cross‑functional teams to align delivery with strategic objectives.
  • Spearhead initiatives to enhance processes, systems and ways of working.

You will bring substantial senior‑level project management and team leadership experience, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and prioritise effectively. You will hold a recognised professional project management qualification (such as APM or equivalent) and demonstrate strong business and commercial acumen, including budget oversight and cost management. With proven experience managing strategic client relationships, you will be a collaborative and influential leader who builds strong internal and external partnerships.

At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.

Benefits
  • Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays
  • Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme
  • Discounted bus travel
  • Subsidised onsite catering
  • Plus, many other University benefits

Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value) employer: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

At Saïd Business School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusion while providing a supportive environment for professional growth. As an Associate Director in our Government and Public Value team, you will enjoy a generous holiday allowance, access to the Oxford staff pension scheme, and various other benefits, all within a vibrant academic setting that encourages collaboration and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact on society through world-class Executive Education, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions celebrated.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Contact Detail:

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the role you're after. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the culture too!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.

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 Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value)

Project Management
Client Engagement
Operational Excellence
Strategic Planning
Risk Management
Governance Practices
Team Leadership
Budget Oversight
Cost Management
Relationship Management
Collaboration
Process Improvement
Commercial Acumen
Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and client engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully, and how you’ve driven operational excellence in previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate straightforward communication!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery. Familiarise yourself with the Government and Public Value function and its impact on society. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission and values.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your senior-level project management and team leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex projects and built strong relationships with clients. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to lead a high-performing delivery team.

Emphasise Collaboration

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of specific instances where you've collaborated effectively across departments. Highlight your experience in aligning delivery with strategic objectives and how you’ve enhanced processes and systems in previous roles.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's goals, challenges, and the future of the GPV function. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values, especially regarding diversity and inclusion.

Associate Director, Client Engagement and Programme Delivery (Government and Public Value)
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>