Overview
In this role you will lead the Risk, Compliance and Assurance transformation at the University of Oxford, turning strategy into measurable improvements across a federated, regulatory environment. You will shape governance, risk and assurance workstreams, align divisions to common standards, and deliver auditable benefits that support the university’s education and research mission. You will work closely with senior leaders to manage dependencies, secure ownership, and demonstrate delivery confidence. This is a high-impact opportunity to drive sustainable change across a world-class institution.
Pay / Benefits
- 38 days annual leave (incl. holidays)
- generous family leave
- hybrid and flexible working
- contributory pension
- commuting support
- club and community access
Responsibilities
- Provide end-to-end leadership of the programme roadmap from strategy to implementation
- Create structure, momentum and accountability to translate priorities into embedded change
- Operate across a complex, federated environment and resolve competing priorities
- Secure ownership of change and ensure new standards are understood and adopted
- Provide senior decision-makers with evidence of delivery confidence, risks and benefits
- Shape how major institutional transformation is delivered and embedded
- Strengthen management information, improve control and assurance arrangements
- Reduce duplication and establish sustainable capability beyond the programme life
Key requirements
- Proven experience leading complex, multi-stream change programmes in large, politically nuanced, federated or devolved organisations with on-time delivery
- Exceptional programme delivery skills and ability to maintain momentum and accountability
- Substantial business change management experience including stakeholder engagement, readiness, adoption and embedding into BAU
- Experience in higher education, the public sector or another regulated, complex environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with capability to make clear decisions
- Credibility and political acumen to influence senior stakeholders
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication with senior leaders and diverse groups
- Experience establishing and tracking benefits, baselines and evidence of organisational impact
- Strong knowledge of governance, internal control, assurance, risk and compliance
- Stakeholder engagement
- Influencing and political acumen
- Clear and effective communication
- Programme management
- Governance, risk and compliance
- Management information and reporting
Programme Manager, Risk Compliance and Assurance employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
