Head Of Strategic Projects - 0782-26-R

Lancaster University; Lancaster; Sur place; GBP 70 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Generous pension

39 days annual leave

Flexible benefits

Family-friendly policies

Résumé du poste

Lancaster University is seeking a strategic Head of Strategic Projects to shape and deliver transformational programmes as we prepare to launch our new Institutional Strategy for 2027–32. This is a rare opportunity to influence operation-wide change at a leading UK university and ensure projects are clearly identified, prioritised, scoped and governed for successful delivery.

You will lead a portfolio aligned to university priorities, coach and develop a team of project managers, strengthen

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading a project or programme management function.
• Experience delivering transformational change across large, complex organisations.
• Ability to establish structures, processes and reporting for transparency and decision-making.
• Degree or professional qualification, or substantial strategic leadership experience.

Responsabilités

• Shape and manage a portfolio of strategic projects aligned to university priorities.
• Coach and develop a team of project and programme managers.
• Strengthen PMO governance, assurance and reporting.
• Oversee delivery plans, KPIs, budgets, milestones and dependencies.
• Provide transparent reporting to senior leaders and governing bodies.
• Build partnerships with senior academic and professional services stakeholders.

Connaissances

Strategic project leadership

Portfolio management

Governance & reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Team leadership

Formation

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Description du poste

Reference:

0782-26-R 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.