At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead portfolio planning and reporting for major change programmes at the University of Cambridge.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Cambridge, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic planning and drive positive change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and management information standards; strong leadership and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The University of Cambridge is seeking a senior portfolio planning professional to lead the Portfolio Performance (Business Planning) function within the University Change Support Office (UCSO). The role is responsible for the arrangements through which the University obtains coordinated, decision-ready visibility of programme plans, sequencing and portfolio impacts. UCSO provides expertise in change and communications, benefits realisation, portfolio planning, common standards, strategic reporting and business-case appraisal. It supports the Change and Programme Management Board in directing and overseeing the University's portfolio of major change programmes.
The post-holder will own the standards, planning logic, reporting methods and sequencing practices used to provide coherent visibility of delivery, risks, costs, benefits, return on investment and stakeholder impacts. The role will define the requirements for real-time portfolio information, determine how it should be structured and presented, and intervene where inputs, systems or processes are incomplete, inconsistent or not fit for governance use.
The role will chair UCSO's Sequencing Steering Group, lead the development of sequencing policy and decision-support approaches, and manage the planning function. It will work across programme teams and portfolio functions to strengthen data quality, reporting systems and the practical use of portfolio planning information. It is important that the role-holder works collaboratively and actively with existing expert functions, especially University Information Services (UIS) and the Academic Planning and Strategy Office (APSO) to ensure coherence of approach to the change portfolio.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and control the standards, policies and processes for portfolio planning, sequencing, reporting and management information.
- Provide reliable, real-time visibility of programme delivery, interdependencies, risks, costs, benefits, return on investment and impacts on stakeholder groups.
- Chair the Sequencing Steering Group and design, implement and monitor the policy and decision-support arrangements governing the sequencing of programme activity.
- Set requirements for portfolio systems, data and presentational outputs; diagnose weaknesses and implement improvements with UIS, APSO and other partners.
- Manage and develop staff within the planning function, and provide briefings, workshops and practical guidance to strengthen planning and reporting capability across the University.
About you
- You will have substantial experience of defining and improving planning, sequencing, reporting or management-information standards in a complex portfolio or organisational setting.
- You will bring strong strategic planning and programme management expertise, with the ability to challenge poor-quality information and resolve weaknesses in systems, workflows and data.
- You will be an experienced people manager, able to lead multidisciplinary work and secure high-quality results across organisational boundaries.
- You will communicate clearly and persuasively with senior and operational stakeholders and be confident translating complex portfolio information into decision-ready outputs.
- You will have a postgraduate-level qualification in a quantitative discipline, together with strong capability in project management and the effective use of relevant software tools.
The Benefits
- 41 days annual leave, including bank holidays.
- Potential for flexible and hybrid working, subject to the operational needs of the role.
- A generous pension scheme, discount portal, cycle to work scheme, access to the University accommodation service, relocation expenses scheme, employee assistance programme and family-friendly policies.
Limited funding: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
When applying, please upload your CV and cover letter which clearly sets out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview based upon these criteria. Interviews will be held in mid-December 2026.
Additional information regarding the role can be found within the further information file. If you wish to discuss this role in more detail, or have questions about the application process, enquiries are welcome. Please contact the team via change@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference YV51605 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Lead: Porfolio Performance (Business Planning) in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, particularly within the Department of Oncology, where you will play a pivotal role in advancing cancer research. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work alongside leading experts in the field. The university's commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that your contributions will have a meaningful impact on clinical care and research outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead: Porfolio Performance (Business Planning) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Lead: Porfolio Performance (Business Planning) at University of Cambridge!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Lead: Porfolio Performance (Business Planning) role at University of Cambridge!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead: Porfolio Performance (Business Planning) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at University of Cambridge. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at University of Cambridge. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
