Deputy Director of Delivery

University of Cambridge; Hartford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Deputy Director of Delivery for its Finance Transformation Programme. This role involves strategic leadership, overseeing project delivery, and ensuring effective resource allocation. The ideal candidate will possess proven leadership experience, a deep understanding of systems transformation, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. This is a pivotal position within a dynamic environment aimed at driving significant institutional change.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience.
• Demonstrable experience delivering diverse projects relevant to the University.
• Deep knowledge of systems transformation.
• Effective people management and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Champion innovation and technology adoption.
• Lead strategic resource allocation.
• Oversee audit and compliance.
• Represent the organisation in governance boards.
• Ensure operational excellence.
• Optimise programme management.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Planning

Change Management

Job description

Overview

INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY. We are looking for a dynamic leader in the role of Deputy Director of Delivery for the Finance Transformation Programme (FTP). Reporting to the FTP Directory, this pivotal role will guide the University through a period of dynamic change, ensuring seamless integration of enterprise architecture, system development, data platforms, and operational excellence. You will be at the heart of decision-making, prioritising technical and business strategies to keep the programme on track and on budget. Your leadership will be instrumental in transitioning projects into sustainable, business-as-usual operations. Beyond delivery, you will play a key role in shaping wider Finance and University initiatives, collaborating with academics and stakeholders to enhance business intelligence, drive change, and embed transformation across the institution. FTP is part of a series of change initiatives at Cambridge University, which aim to embrace new ways of working to better support our staff and academic mission.

Responsibilities

• In this pivotal role, you will:
  • Champion innovation and technology adoption, embedding agile and automation practices.
  • Lead strategic resource allocation, ensuring optimal programme delivery.
  • Oversee audit and compliance, maintaining strong governance and continuous improvement.
  • Represent the organisation across key committees and governance boards, influencing enterprise IT strategy.
  • Drive strategic planning and enterprise architecture, aligning technology with institutional goals.
  • Ensure operational excellence, transitioning systems into resilient, scalable services.
  • Optimise programme management, resolving complex dependencies and coaching teams.
  • Build and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships, acting as the primary liaison between IT and University leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management experience
• Demonstrable experience delivering diverse projects relevant to the University
• Deep knowledge of systems transformation and ability to share expertise
• Experience in organisational/line management or PMO leadership
• Gravitas in senior forums and decision-making
• Ability to influence and build confidence
• Effective people management and team leadership