At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational projects that drive innovation and business growth across Manchester and Cambridge.
- Company: Join the dynamic Cambridge x Manchester Partnership, shaping the future of innovation.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 28 days leave, and schemes for cycling and electric vehicles.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds encouraged; excellent career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting academia, industry, and government for societal benefit.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex projects and securing funding, with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Head of Strategic Projects – Cambridge x Manchester
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking individual to join the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership as Head of Strategic Projects.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver transformational projects across two of the UK’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems, helping to unlock new opportunities for innovation, investment and business growth.
In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of a portfolio of strategically significant initiatives, working with partners across academia, industry and government to turn ambitious ideas into measurable impact.
You will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the Partnership, building collaborations, securing opportunities and driving projects that strengthen connectivity between Manchester and Cambridge while contributing to wider economic and societal benefit.
Responsibilities
- Leading the identification, development and prioritisation of strategic projects and programmes aligned to the Partnership’s objectives, translating strategic ambition into deliverable programmes with clear outcomes and success measures.
- Overseeing a portfolio of concurrent projects, establishing effective governance, risk management and reporting frameworks, and ensuring delivery to agreed objectives, timescales and quality standards.
- Identifying and developing external funding, investment and partnership opportunities, supporting the creation of commercially credible projects capable of attracting external investment and support.
- Building and maintaining senior stakeholder relationships across academia, industry, government and the wider innovation ecosystem, influencing decision‑making and fostering successful collaboration across partner organisations.
- Leading cross‑city collaboration between Manchester and Cambridge partners, ensuring projects deliver measurable impact and generating insights that inform future strategy and programme development.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Essential Criteria
- Significant experience leading and delivering complex, multi‑stakeholder projects or programmes, ideally across multiple organisations or locations.
- Experience shaping and developing strategic initiatives and programmes, rather than solely delivering pre‑defined activity.
- Strong understanding of governance, risk and compliance within complex programme environments.
- Experience securing external funding, investment or partnership opportunities.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and effective partnerships at a senior level.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical capability and programme leadership skills, with the ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced and evolving environment.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within innovation, higher education, economic development or partnership environments.
- Experience working across multi‑location or cross‑organisational programmes.
- Understanding of innovation ecosystems, investment landscapes or business growth programmes.
Benefits
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Strategic Projects in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive benefits including leading pension schemes and health services, all while contributing to the strategic direction of a prestigious institution in a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and academic excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Projects in Manchester
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like The University of Manchester!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Strategic Projects position at The University of Manchester via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Projects in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at The University of Manchester.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to The University of Manchester’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to The University of Manchester. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at The University of Manchester. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to The University of Manchester.
