Programme Manager

University of the West of Scotland; Paisley; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the West of Scotland is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead strategic programmes and projects that drive transformation and support institutional objectives.

The role includes leadership of a small team providing change management, business analysis and benefits management across a portfolio, with strong collaboration across organisational boundaries to turn strategy into outcomes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering complex programmes and projects from inception to completion.
• Recognition of a professional programme management qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong ability to influence stakeholders across matrix teams without direct authority.
• Proven track record in leading organisational change and transformation initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience establishing governance, risk, dependency and benefits management arrangements.
• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic programmes and projects driving transformation and achievement of institutional objectives.
• Provide leadership and management of a small team across change management, business analysis and benefits management.
• Work collaboratively across organisational boundaries to turn strategy into successful outcomes.
• Establish governance structures and manage risks and dependencies across the portfolio.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Governance & risk

Analytical thinking

Education

PM qualification (MSP/PRINCE2/APM PMQ/PMP)

Job description

Full time: 35 hours per week

Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Programme Manager to lead the delivery of strategic programmes and projects that drive organisational transformation and support the achievement of our institutional objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented programme professional who thrives in complex environments, enjoys working collaboratively across organisational boundaries, and is passionate about turning strategy into successful outcomes.

The role of Programme Manager includes leadership and management of a small team offering change management, business analysis, and benefits management expertise across a portfolio of programmes and projects.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Significant experience delivering complex programmes and projects from inception to completion.
• A recognised programme or project management qualification (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ, PMP) or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience working across matrix teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Demonstrable experience leading organisational change and transformation initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience establishing effective governance, risk, dependency, and benefits management arrangements.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Change management qualification or experience applying structured change methodologies.
• Experience within higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organisations.
• Experience managing strategic partnerships, suppliers, or collaborative projects.

ABOUT US

The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings)

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.