At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic change initiatives and drive impactful projects across the University.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a top-tier institution committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, great holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with access to extensive networks and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in change management and strong communication skills required.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606.
Closing date: 29th June 2026. First stage interviews will take place on 6 and 7 July 2026.
Role Summary
About the Team: Strategic Programmes & Change is a high‑performing team with a critical role at the heart of the University. We work with senior leaders to align stakeholders, set strategic direction and deliver outcomes — helping the University achieve its ambitions as a Global Top 50 institution and long‑term financial sustainability.
The Role
We are looking for a Strategic Change Manager to join our highly regarded change management unit. The successful candidate will:
- Have a proven track record of delivering outcomes in complex, fast‑paced environments, with the resilience to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities.
- Think strategically — bringing clarity to ambiguity, identifying paths forward and developing creative solutions to difficult problems.
- Build effective relationships across organisational boundaries, balancing competing interests to build consensus and drive results.
- Communicate with impact — breaking down challenges collaboratively and demonstrating tangible outcomes.
The post holder will take responsibility for the end‑to‑end delivery of change across a range of strategically important initiatives. This includes transformational Professional Services efficiency programmes and projects spanning academic strategy implementation and cross‑departmental working.
Main Duties
- Change management for individual initiatives.
- Managing the delivery of the Strategic Programme & Change portfolio of projects, from project initiation through to implementation and evaluation.
- Working closely with Programme / Project Sponsors to identify and plan the requirements for change.
- Utilising excellent negotiation, communication and creativity skills to gain agreement across a broad range of stakeholders.
- Implementing change and process improvement methodologies to drive change initiatives.
- Development of benefits realisation plans.
- Preparing and presenting reports, proposals and papers for stakeholders.
- Delivering the development of change management and process improvement methodologies in the University.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Relevant degree or relevant equivalent professional qualification (change management, project management), plus substantial relevant experience.
- Experience of developing effective networks and strong relationships in a complex organisation.
- Strong facilitation skills, including workshops, and face‑to‑face.
- Outstanding writing skills, with the ability to write/prepare high quality papers, presentations, reports and briefings.
- Demonstrable experience of managing a range of at‑scale and complex projects.
Personal Characteristics and knowledge
- Strong intellectual ability and the ability to apply this to management tasks.
- A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility and a self‑motivating approach.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy.
- A commitment to promote and adhere to the agreed values of the University and the Executive Support Division.
We are committed to proactively addressing barriers experienced by some groups, hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations, and actively pursue sustainability.
Strategic Change Manager - Executive Division- 59778 - Grade 8 employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As part of the Executive Division, you will engage with a diverse team dedicated to driving strategic change and achieving ambitious goals, all while enjoying competitive salaries, generous holidays, and extensive professional development opportunities. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the university fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, ensuring that every employee can contribute meaningfully to our mission of becoming a Global Top 50 institution by 2030.
