Group Director Strategic Projects & Business Improvement

New City College; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An outstanding further education college in Camden Town is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead strategic business improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for managing projects, budgets, and collaborating with senior leadership to enhance operational processes. Ideal candidates will possess project management qualifications and a proven track record in organizational change and process improvement. This role requires an on-site presence and offers a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

On-site gym facilities

Staff development opportunities

Health cash plan

Interest-free loans for travel

Discounts on day-to-day expenses

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic projects in a large organization.
• Strong ability to influence and inspire across teams.
• Proven track record of delivering results in similar roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects delivering measurable organizational benefits.
• Manage budgets, risks, and reporting for key projects.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to embed a culture of innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship Building

Project Management

Process Improvement

Lean Principles

Education

Project Management Qualifications

Job description

Overview

New City College is an outstanding, sector-leading further education college. One of the largest colleges in the country, with proven expertise across curriculum areas as well as initiatives including sustainability and practitioner-led research. Since 2016, New City College has grown through mergers, and it is essential that our business processes are aligned, efficient and fit for purpose. This role is based on-site at one of our campuses and involves working closely with a small team of Business Analysts and Project Managers, in collaboration with colleagues across our management team, to ensure our operational processes support the college's core mission: delivering outstanding outcomes for our students.

We are seeking a highly capable and experienced Project Manager to lead on strategic business improvement initiatives and business-critical projects. This is a pivotal role within a large and complex organisation operating under a matrix structure to ensure consistency and quality across all areas. You will bring relevant qualifications and demonstrable experience, along with the drive and determination to make a meaningful impact. You will be a confident and effective communicator, adept at building professional relationships and working collaboratively to achieve individual, team and organisational goals. This is a high-impact leadership role with a broad remit. At New City College, we work with purpose, accountability and a shared commitment to excellence. This is an on-site role, based at one of our campuses, where we work together as one team with students at the heart of everything we do.

Responsibilities

• Leading strategic projects and business improvement initiatives that deliver measurable organisational benefits – reducing workload, error rates, and costs.
• Owning and evolving the college-wide Project Management Framework, embedding consistency and Lean principles across all campuses.
• Driving sustainability and carbon reduction strategies, including milestone tracking, reporting, and regular strategy renewal.
• Supporting strategic priorities through project planning, funding applications, and change management aligned with the college's Strategic Intent.
• Managing budgets, risks, and reporting for key projects, ensuring efficient delivery and continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to embed a culture of innovation, performance, and student-first service.
• Representing the college at promotional and recruitment events, and contributing to a positive campus environment through leadership and duty management.

About New City College

New City College is proud to be an Ofsted Outstanding college, the largest in England to receive this top rating. With campuses across east London, south-west Essex, and two language schools, we are a sector leader in further education. Joining NCC means becoming part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality education and skills that benefit our students and communities. We offer industry-standard facilities, expert staff, and strong partnerships with leading organisations. Our focus on future-ready skills and technology ensures students are well-prepared for higher education or employment, and employers trust us for staff training and development. Following the merger of seven colleges, NCC has become one of the UK's most influential FE providers, offering sixth form education, adult learning, apprenticeships, ESOL, EFL and SEND. With a turnover of £130 million, 20,000 students and 1,800 staff, we are a major force in the sector. We are proud of our inclusive, diverse community and have a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This does not prevent any other candidate with or without a protective characteristic from applying for our jobs. As the College supports a number of children and vulnerable adults, all staff are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Accordingly, all staff will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, along with a check of the Children's Barred List if engaged in regulated activity. Any offers of appointment may be withdrawn if these checks prove unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure will be required as part of the recruitment process. Failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of your DBS certificate may result in the withdrawal of your offer of employment. The College's DBS policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available upon request.

Requirements

• Experience leading strategic projects and managing complex change within a large organisation, with a focus on process improvement and Lean principles.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills; ability to influence and inspire across senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a matrix environment and deliver high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
• Qualifications relevant to project management and demonstrable experience delivering results in similar roles.
• On-site presence at one of our campuses is required.

Benefits

• Pension: New City College provides a career average pension scheme for all staff. Support staff fall under the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Accessibility: All college sites are easily accessible for wheelchair users and via public transport (bus, DLR, or tube).
• On-Site Facilities: Free access to on-site gym facilities at some campuses and on-site cafes serving subsidised food and drinks.
• Staff Development: Five CPD days per year, with access to industry-standard facilities and a collaborative working environment. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Financial Perks: Interest-free loans for annual travel season tickets, health cash plan (dental, optical, and therapy coverage) and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounts: Save on day-to-day expenses, shopping, dining out, DIY, and travel.