Careers Senior Project Manager

Cambridge University Press & Assessment; Hartford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational publisher is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality print and digital resources. The role involves driving project planning, managing a team of project managers, and ensuring that all projects adhere to schedules and budgets. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a proven track record in project planning and risk management. With a hybrid working model, this role provides flexibility while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Group personal pension scheme

Life assurance up to 4x annual salary

Green travel schemes

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in project planning and risk management.
• Exceptional communication skills to motivate teams.
• Familiarity with publishing processes and digital asset management.

Responsibilities

• Drive planning and execution of product development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and present plans.
• Manage risks and oversee change processes.
• Guide production phase with authors and suppliers.
• Champion continuous improvement in workflows.
• Lead and motivate a talented sub-team of project managers.

Skills

Project planning

Risk management

Supplier negotiation

Exceptional communication

Team leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

The Senior Project Manager will lead the delivery of high-quality print and digital educational resources from concept to publication. This involves managing a sub-team of project managers and ensuring that all projects meet schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Execution: Drive the planning and execution of product development, ensuring that schedules, budgets, and quality targets are consistently met.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with stakeholders and project teams, and present robust delivery plans to senior leadership.
• Risk & Change Management: Manage risks, oversee change processes, and lead communication strategies to keep projects aligned with strategic objectives.
• Production Oversight: Guide the production phase, working closely with authors, suppliers, and endorsing bodies to meet stringent standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion continuous improvement by reviewing workflows and implementing lessons learned.
• Team Leadership: Lead and motivate a talented sub-team of project managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Supplier Negotiation: Negotiate with suppliers to ensure value and quality in project delivery.
• Communication: Maintain exceptional communication with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Adherence to Standards: Ensure all deliverables meet both internal and external standards, including compliance with publishing processes and digital asset management requirements.
• Reporting & Presentation: Regularly report progress and present updates to senior leadership, highlighting achievements, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Workflow Optimisation: Continuously review and optimise project workflows for efficiency and effectiveness.

This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40-60% of their time collaborating and connecting face-to-face at their dedicated location. Aside from our hybrid principles, other flexible working requests will be considered from the first day of employment, including other work arrangements should you require adjustments due to a disability or long-term health condition.

Qualifications

You are an experienced project and team manager with a strong track record of delivering impactful educational solutions. Essential criteria include proven expertise in project planning, risk management, and supplier negotiation; exceptional communication skills with the ability to motivate teams through complex projects; a collaborative approach to uniting diverse stakeholders; familiarity with publishing processes and digital asset management (such as ePub, audio, and video); and a consistent record of delivering within deadlines and budgets, demonstrating keen attention to detail.

Application Process & Timeline

We will review applications on an ongoing basis, and shortlisted candidates can expect interviews to take place from 12th January 2026. The closing date for all applications will be 4th January 2026.

First stage competency-based interview with a second stage to be confirmed.

As part of our equitable recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process due to a disability or a long-term health condition. Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.

We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, educational attainment, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual identity, cultural, or social class/background. We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach.

Why Join Us

Cambridge University Press & Assessment offers an environment where anyone can enjoy a successful career, with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, a flexible rewards package, and a diverse team. Our commitment to an equitable recruitment process ensures a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4x annual salary
• Green travel schemes