Programme Director

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days of annual leave

Generous family leave schemes

Flexible working options

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle loan scheme

Access to community clubs

Job summary

A prestigious university in Oxford seeks an experienced Programme Director to lead the Professional Services Programme. This role requires expertise in managing large-scale transformation projects, excellent stakeholder engagement, and financial acumen. The Programme Director will drive delivery across a complex organization, ensuring value for money and measurable outcomes. Offering a supportive environment for work-life balance, the position also provides generous leave, pension schemes, and hybrid work options. Apply to contribute to innovative solutions in a renowned academic institution.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in leading complex, organisation-wide transformation or change programmes.
• Experience in higher education, public sector or similar environments.
• Advanced programme and portfolio management expertise.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with senior leaders across organisational boundaries.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant programme budgets.
• Experience of technology-enabled change and collaboration with digital teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution and governance of a large change programme.
• Translate strategic objectives into a clear delivery roadmap.
• Build and lead a high-performing programme team.
• Shape and embed service design principles.
• Oversee programme finances and benefits tracking.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the programme.

Skills

Leadership of transformation programmes

Stakeholder engagement

Financial acumen

Programme management expertise

Change management

Job description

Programme Director – Professional Services Programme

The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced Programme Director to lead the delivery of an ambitious, institution‑wide transformation programme focused on professional services.

Location: University Offices, Oxford OX1 2JD

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (24 – 36 Months)

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world‑changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground‑breaking research that tackles global challenges – from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions – and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The Professional Services Programme (PSP) is a major change initiative designed to improve how professional services are planned, delivered and sustained across the University, supporting our core missions of education and research. Working across a highly devolved and complex organisation, the Programme Director will provide senior operational leadership to drive delivery, benefits realisation and long‑term impact.

What We Offer

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full‑pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full‑pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

• Lead the planning, execution and governance of a large, multi‑stream change programme.
• Translate strategic objectives into a clear delivery roadmap and prioritised programme plan.
• Build and lead a high‑performing programme team, working closely with academic and professional services colleagues across divisions and central teams.
• Shape and embed service design principles, operating models and workforce approaches for professional services.
• Oversee programme finances, benefits tracking and assurance, ensuring value for money and measurable outcomes.
• Act as a senior ambassador for the programme, building trust, momentum and adoption across the University.

About You

>A strong track record of leading complex, organisation‑wide transformation or change programmes.
• Experience of working in higher education, the public sector or similarly federated environments.
• Advanced programme and portfolio management expertise, including governance, risk and business case development.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the credibility to influence senior leaders across organisational boundaries.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant programme or operating budgets.
• Experience of technology‑enabled change and working alongside digital teams.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• The details of two referees.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 23 January. Interviews will take place in February, and will be held in person.