Programme Delivery Manager

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in Reading seeks a skilled Programme Delivery Manager for a full-time fixed-term role. This position involves managing the Professional Services programme to enhance financial sustainability and service quality. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in programme management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. The role offers a chance to significantly impact the university's strategy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing complex programmes and projects.
• Strong planning and analytical capabilities.
• Knowledge of Higher Education challenges and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the delivery of the Professional Services programme.
• Work with various stakeholders to implement the new Target Operating Model.
• Ensure successful delivery of programme objectives.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Decision making

Analytical skills

Job description

Full time, fixed term contract for 2 years

Closing date: 23:59 7th September 2025

The Professional Services programme will support the University’s strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability, improve service quality, and enhance the student and staff experience. As part of this strategic initiative, we are seeking a highly capable and experienced Programme Delivery Manager to manage and co-ordinate the delivery of the programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of the programme’s objectives and realisation of programme benefits. You will work closely with the Programme sponsor, the Heads of the University’s eight Directorates, the Programme Board, and cross-functional teams working across all University professional services to implement and embed a new Target Operating Model for professional services.

Based in the Planning and Strategy Office, you will be responsible for extensive matrix delivery of complex tasks and will be expected to achieve this through partnering, influencing, motivating and working with colleagues across the University outside of formal reporting lines.

Our ideal candidate will be a highly experienced programme and project manager with strong planning and analytical skills and a track record of leading impactful changes in large and complex organisations.

You will have :

• Highly developed skills of stakeholder engagement, communication, consultation, collaboration, negotiation and influence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to present and defend complex concepts to a wide audience
• Sound judgement with the confidence to take initiative and responsibility for decisions
• A thorough knowledge of the changes, challenges and opportunities facing Higher Education and their implications

Interviews will be held: 17th September 2025

Contact Name: Julie Rowe
Contact Job Title: Chief Legal Officer and Director of University Corporate Services
Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Helen Williams
Alternative Contact: Job Title Director of the Planning and Strategy Office
Alternative Contact email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Caroline Raihan
Alternative Contact Job Title: Interim Programme Director
Alternative Contact email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.