Programme manager (operational)

Strategic Programme Delivery Manager | 14 months FTC | Up to £60,000 | Milton Keynes Area (3-4 days per week)

Are you an experienced programme or project or Registry / Student Administration Leader looking for an opportunity to drive meaningful organisational change at scale?

We're partnering with a university who is seeking a Strategic Programme Delivery Manager to lead a high-profile transformation programme that will reshape how academic delivery is planned, governed and supported across the institution.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a visible and influential role at the heart of a major university-wide change programme, if you're looking for an employer who give you the tools and autonomy to deliver - this is it.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the PMO Manager, you will take ownership of a six-project transformation portfolio that will fundamentally change the University's academic operating model.

The programme will transition faculties from a four-term to a three-term structure while introducing a more consistent academic framework across the institution. Success will require coordination across curriculum design, policy and compliance, timetabling, workload planning, student systems and academic operations.

This is not a traditional programme governance role.

You will operate across both strategic and delivery levels, providing programme leadership while also supporting project teams with planning, stakeholder management, risk mitigation and execution. You will work closely with senior leaders, project sponsors, academics and professional services teams to ensure successful delivery against a critical September 2027 implementation deadline.

About You

We are looking for an experienced programme or project professional who combines operational/ business transformation with delivery capability.

You will be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, able to engage senior executives while also supporting teams through the day-to-day realities of delivery.

Essentials

• Higher Education sector experience - Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong programme planning, governance and delivery skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capability
• Experience navigating complex organisational environments
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Confidence working with stakeholders at all levels

Desirable Experience

• Academic Registry or Student Administration experience
• Experience supporting academic operating model change
• Exposure to academic calendar transformation or curriculum change initiatives
• Formal project management qualifications

Why Join?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead one of the University's most significant strategic transformation programmes
• Work directly with executive leadership and key decision-makers
• Influence change across the entire institution
• Deliver a complex programme with genuine organisational impact
• Gain exposure to strategic, operational and change leadership challenges
• Join a collaborative and supportive transformation team
• Benefit from a structured six-week handover from the current programme lead

Package

• Fixed-term maternity cover contract - 14 months
• Salary up to £60,000
• Hybrid working with 3-4 days per week on campus
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and University closure days
• Matched pension scheme
• Professional development opportunities

If you are looking for a role where you can make a visible impact, influence senior stakeholders and help shape the future direction of a university, I'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or reach out to Yafet Okubet on y.okubet@gravitasgroup.com to have an informal conversation.