Head of Strategic Projects

Lancaster University; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University is seeking a senior Strategic Projects leader to shape and manage a portfolio of university-wide programmes at Bailrigg, Lancaster. You will lead a team of project and programme managers and work with senior academic and professional services stakeholders to deliver transformational change.

The role requires proven capability in governance, risk management, and benefits realisation, with a track record of delivering complex, large-scale initiatives in a university or similar

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience leading strategic or transformational programmes.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders.
• Ability to establish transparent reporting structures.

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 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 bodies.
• Build effective partnerships across senior academic and professional services stakeholders.

Skills

Proven track record

Strategic leadership

Influencing senior stakeholders

Governance & reporting

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Job description

Strategic Projects

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £59,966 to £67,468Full time indefinite
Closing Date: Monday 09 November 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 02 December 2026
Reference: 0782-26-R

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.

Contract and contact

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

Find out what its like to work at Lancaster University , including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.