Senior Project and Change Manager
Full time (37 hrs per week) – Permanent contract – High Wycombe Campus
£44,746 to £56,535 per annum
We’re not fitting in with the higher education status quo; we’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently – because our students, our people, and our communities need us to. Join us as we reimagine a university that is rooted in social mobility, celebrates difference, and empowers people to become more than they thought possible.
Scope of the Role
Senior Project and Change Manager, accountable to the Director of Strategy, Transformation and Futures, will lead and manage complex, high‑impact strategic initiatives and transformation programmes across the university.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic initiatives and programmes across the university.
* Define scope, timelines, budgets and resource plans, ensuring alignment with the Universities strategic framework.
* Monitor and evaluate project performance, manage risks and resolve issues to maintain momentum and quality.
* Oversee the annual business planning cycle and ensure alignment to strategy and vision.
* Provide regular reporting and insights to senior stakeholders and appropriate governance boards.
* Develop and implement change strategies that support adoption and minimise resistance.
* Design and deliver communications, training and support materials to enable organisational adoption.
* Champion a culture of agility, resilience and continuous improvement.
* Develop trusted relationships with senior leaders, sponsors and cross‑functional teams.
* Act as a visible advocate for change, inspiring confidence and clarity throughout the organisation.
* Lead the Transformation team and provide coaching and mentorship.
* Contribute to the development of project and change management frameworks, tools and best practices.
* Identify inefficiencies and contribute to the evolution of project management methodologies and tools.
* Support resource planning and allocation across concurrent projects.
Benefits
* A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closures).
* Hybrid working (dependent on business needs).
* Employee Assistance Program including access to a free online GP service.
* Full contractual family leave and pay from day one.
* Training and development support opportunities.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym.
* Range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Contact
For further information about this role, please contact Ashley Church by emailing ashley.church@bnu.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We especially encourage applications from candidates who may be under‑represented in BNU’s workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Accessibility
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in the role. Please reach out to people@bnu.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
Recruitment Process
All applications are to be made in full and online. Submission deadline: Thursday 20th November 2025. Interview date: Monday 1st December 2025.
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. BNU is a Disability Confident employer and you may declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description – Key Information
* Job Title: Senior Project and Change Manager
* College/Directorate: Strategy & Transformation
* Grade: H
* Location: High Wycombe
* Hours: 37 hrs per week
* Responsible to: Director of Strategy, Transformation and Futures
* Responsible for: Project Manager and Senior Business Planning Officer
Essential Criteria
* Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
* PRINCE2 practitioner or equivalent.
* Proven approach to managing, implementing, facilitating and monitoring change.
* Experience of initiating and managing change in large and complex organisations, including public sector experience.
* Experience in leading a multi‑disciplinary programme team and motivating individuals to maximise performance.
* Significant experience of managing programmes involving evaluating risk, planning, reporting and configuration management.
* Works well under pressure and with complexity and ambiguity.
* Strong understanding of professional services and academic operations.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Transferable project documentation skills.
* Strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills.
* Professional and independent working style.
* Good organisational, networking and time‑management skills.
Behavioural Indicators
* Embracing change – being open to new ideas and adjusting to unfamiliar situations.
* Developing self and others – supporting and encouraging professional development.
* Achieving results – consistently meeting objectives and taking personal responsibility.
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