Head of Strategic Projects

Lancaster University; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University is seeking a strategic governance professional to become Head of Strategic Projects, shaping and delivering transformational initiatives as we launch our 2027-32 Institutional Strategy. You will lead a portfolio of strategic projects, foster senior stakeholder partnerships and ensure robust governance, reporting and benefits realisation.

The role requires substantial experience leading organisation-wide transformational programmes in a large institution, with a track record

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading a project or programme management function.
• Significant experience delivering transformational change across large, complex organisations.
• Strong influencing, collaboration and relationship-building with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to establish structures, processes and reporting that provide transparency and support sound decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Shape and manage a portfolio of strategic projects aligned to University priorities.
• Support, coach and develop a team of project and programme managers.
• Strengthen programme and project management processes, governance and assurance.
• Ensure risks are effectively managed and benefits are clearly defined and measured.
• Oversee delivery plans, KPIs, budgets, milestones and dependencies.
• Provide clear, timely and transparent reporting to senior leaders and relevant University governing bodies.
• Build effective partnerships across senior academic and professional services stakeholders.

Skills

Governance

Portfolio management

Stakeholder management

Transformation leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree or professional qualification

Job description

Note to applicants: This opportunity is currently only open to existing Lancaster University staff.

The opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking governance professional to join Lancaster University as Head of Strategic Projects. This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver transformational projects across a leading UK university as we prepare to launch our new Institutional Strategy for 2027-32.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record of successfully delivering complex organisational change and transformation. You will help ensure that long-term strategic projects are clearly identified, prioritised and scoped, and that robust structures, governance and project management frameworks are in place to support effective delivery.

You will:

• shape and manage a portfolio of strategic projects aligned to University priorities
• support, coach and develop a team of project and programme managers
• strengthen programme and project management processes, governance and assurance
• ensure risks are effectively managed and benefits are clearly defined and measured
• oversee delivery plans, KPIs, budgets, milestones and dependencies
• provide clear, timely and transparent reporting to senior leaders and relevant University governing bodies
• build effective partnerships across senior academic and professional services stakeholders

An understanding of higher education would be valuable, but more importantly we are looking for substantial experience of leading complex, organisation-wide strategic or transformational programmes in a large organisation.

About you

We are looking for someone who has:

• proven track record leading a project or programme management function.
• significant experience delivering transformational change across large, complex organisations.
• strong influencing, collaboration and relationship-building skills, including with senior stakeholders
• the ability to establish effective structures, processes and reporting that provide transparency and support sound decision-making

You will also bring a relevant degree or professional qualification, or substantial relevant experience including extensive strategic management and leadership experience.

Why work with us

Lancaster University offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including a competitive salary, generous employer pension scheme, 39 days off a year including University closure days at Easter and Christmas and bank holidays, family-friendly policies and flexible benefits.

Find out more about our employee benefits at https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs.

Contract and contact

This is a full time indefinite appointment and we are happy to talk about flexible working arrangements.