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- Tasks: Lead and manage impactful education projects across England, transforming lives through innovative programmes.
- Company: Star Academies, a high-performing multi-academy trust dedicated to improving young people's futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, healthcare cash plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while driving change and making a real difference in communities.
- Qualifications: Experienced programme and project manager with strong leadership and change management skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with travel required for new school projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Star Academies, we are committed to transforming lives through education. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Programmes and Projects to lead and manage our Projects Unit. As Head of Programmes and Projects, you will take responsibility for leading our programme and project management function within our head office. This includes developing and maintaining a robust framework for programme and project delivery, strengthening organisational capability in this area, and managing the Projects Unit.
You will oversee and drive the successful delivery of multiple programmes and projects running concurrently, working in close partnership with colleagues across all levels of the organisation, including senior leadership, to ensure objectives are achieved on time and to an exceptional standard. This role is crucial in overseeing a diverse programme of new projects, including the development of new schools, converting and transferring academies, and exploring growth opportunities. If you are passionate about driving change and delivering impactful projects, we want to hear from you!
Who we are looking for: As the successful candidate, you will be an experienced programme and project manager with a proven ability to identify and deliver change using project management techniques and methodology. You will have experience working in a PMO, leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering organisational objectives and driving change and improvement. You will be an inclusive and collaborative team leader, with a keen interest in developing both your team and organisational capacity and capability. This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential.
About Star Academies: Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Key Dates:
- Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59.
- Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026.
- Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible.
To apply, please visit our website via the button below. Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
Head of Programmes and Projects in Blackburn employer: The Training Brokers Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Training Brokers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes and Projects in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Star Academies thoroughly, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your project management skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for transforming lives through education. Let them see how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Star Academies.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes and Projects in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in programme and project management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Star Academies, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Programmes and Projects, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive change. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and improved organisational capabilities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to highlight your most relevant experiences without overwhelming us with too much information.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Star Academies.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Training Brokers Ltd
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the programmes and projects that Star Academies is currently running. Familiarise yourself with their objectives, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Programmes and Projects, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your inclusive and collaborative approach, and how it has driven successful project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Change Management Skills
Star Academies is looking for someone who can identify and deliver change effectively. Prepare to discuss your experience with project management techniques and methodologies. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully implemented change in previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Travel Flexibility
Since this role requires travel across England, be upfront about your willingness to travel. Share any relevant experiences where you've managed projects in different locations, and how you adapted to various environments to ensure project success.
