Job Reference: 74941
Job Duration: 12 Months
Start date: 25/01/2025
Description:
Programme Manager
Responsible to: Head of Strategic Project and Programme Delivery
Contract role for 12 months
2 days a week on site in Manchester
Inside IR35
Must have experience in higher education
About the Role
The Strategic Change Office (SCO) leads and coordinates strategic initiatives that drive transformational change, helping to build on the organisation's reputation as a global leader. We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Programme Manager to join our dynamic and inclusive team. This role will be responsible for overseeing the management, setup, and delivery of project and programme management processes for portfolios of initiatives, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the organisation.
In this role, you will support the delivery of strategic goals by collaborating with colleaguesto facilitate transformational change. You will also be responsible for managing a team of Senior Project Managers and Project Managers, guiding them through complex initiatives that involve significant changes in people, processes, and technology. Stakeholder management, including at executive levels, and the ability to demonstrate the value of applying methodologies will be key to this role.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
1 Extensive experience managing major strategic change projects and/or programmes, including full lifecycle management.
2 Proven track record in managing complex projects through governance in large organisations.
3 Expertise in applying project and programme management methodologies, and aligning initiatives with strategic goals.
4 Experience managing risks, issues, and dependencies across multiple projects.
5 Strong experience in budget and resource management to support delivery.
6 Ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders, providing coaching, negotiation, and communication skills.
7 Experience leading and developing large project teams, both through direct line management and without formal authority.
8 Familiarity with policies on Equality and Diversity, Information Governance, and Data Protection.
9 Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to executive stakeholders.
10 Problem-solving expertise, using judgement to provide recommendations and engage stakeholderseffectively.
11 Skilled in leading workshops and facilitating decision-making with senior internal and external stakeholders.Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
1 A recognised project or programme management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2,APM, MSP).
2 Expertise in Change Management methodologies and their application to projects and programmes.
3 Knowledge andexperience in the Higher Education sector.
4 Experience with specific types of projects (e.g., people change or IT/technicalprojects).
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Ensure projects align with the organisation's strategic vision byassessing drivers and identifying benefits that contribute to the overall goals.
* Maintain knowledge of developments in thesector and best practices in programme, project, and change management, offering guidance across the organisation.
* Promote best practices by coaching and supporting colleagues, raising the profile of the Strategic Change Office.
* Lead by example, demonstrating focus, flexibility, professionalism, and motivation to meet deliverables.
* Deputise for the Head of Strategic Project and Programme Delivery as required.
Operational Delivery
* Lead and manage complex projects and programmes to support the organisation's strategy, ensuring they are defined, documented, and successfully completed.
* Work with key internal andexternal stakeholders to shape initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment through consultation with senior leadership.
* Develop and implement governance structures for each initiative and manage the programme/portfolio plan, monitoring progress and reporting milestones.
* Identify and manage risks, issues, and dependencies, escalating as appropriate, and ensuring resolution.* Oversee budget management, procurement strategy, and resource planning, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and risks are managed.
* Lead on the development and realisation of benefits, working closely with business change colleagues to ensure benefits are tracked.
* Support senior stakeholders and governance committees with regular reporting and decision-making.* Coordinate the adoption of initiative outputs, ensuring people aspects of change are managed effectively.
Managerial Responsibilities
* Provide line management for Project and Programme team members, supporting their development through coaching and mentoring.
* Lead succession planning, capacity planning, and recruitment efforts within the team.
* Promote a culture ofinclusivity, support, and team building.
* Ensure compliance with mandatory policies and processes, such as Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection.
General
* Undertake other duties as reasonably requested that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.
Industry: Education and Training
Salary:
Salary Benefits:
Vacancy Type: Contract
Job Skills: A recognised project orprogramme management qualification (e.g. PRINCE 2,) Expertise in Change Management methodologies and experience of applying these to projects
Contact Name: Kirsty Robins
Website: -
Direct Application URL: -