Senior Lead: Strategic Change

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites a senior strategic change leader to define and embed the institution's approach to change management. You will align major initiatives with a coherent strategy, standards and governance, working with senior leaders, sponsors, Schools and professional services to strengthen change sponsorship and delivery of transformational outcomes.

You will lead the development of change capability, governance, engagement, and benefits realisation, shaping operating models and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale organisational transformation.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders in complex, devolved organisations.
• Proven track record shaping organisation-wide strategy, policy and practice.
• Strong leadership and people-management experience.
• Expertise in change management, engagement and communications.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development, implementation and evolution of the University’s Change Strategy.
• Establishing standards, governance frameworks and measures for major change activity.
• Acting as the University’s senior adviser on strategic change, organisational readiness and stakeholder engagement.
• Building strong relationships with senior leaders, programme sponsors and governance bodies.
• Leading the development of long-term change capability across the University, including training and career pathways.
• Creating and sustaining strategic change networks that support collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Overseeing the evaluation of change impact, stakeholder sentiment and benefits realisation.
• Supporting the design and implementation of new operating models and organisational change initiatives.
• Developing business cases and strategic plans for future evolution of change management.

Skills

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Executive communications

Job description

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.University of CambridgeThe University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for excellence in research, teaching and innovation. As the University continues to invest in major transformation programmes that will shape its future operating model, we are seeking an exceptional strategic change leader to join the newly established University Change Support Office (UCSO).The UCSO has been created to provide critical expertise in change management, engagement, communications, benefits realisation, portfolio planning and programme governance across the University's portfolio of major change initiatives.The RoleThis is a high-profile leadership role responsible for defining and embedding the University's approach to change management, ensuring that major initiatives are aligned through a coherent strategy, consistent standards and effective governance arrangements. You will work closely with senior leaders, programme sponsors, Schools, Institutions and professional service teams to build organisational capability, strengthen change sponsorship and support the successful delivery of transformational outcomes.Key responsibilities include:Leading the development, implementation and ongoing evolution of the University's Change StrategyEstablishing standards, governance frameworks and measures for major change activity across the institutionActing as the University's senior adviser on strategic change, organisational readiness and stakeholder engagementBuilding strong relationships with senior leaders, programme sponsors and governance bodies to influence successful change outcomesLeading the development of long-term change capability across the University, including training, development and career pathwaysCreating and sustaining strategic change networks that support collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practiceOverseeing the evaluation of change impact, stakeholder sentiment and benefits realisationSupporting the design and implementation of new operating models and organisational change initiativesDeveloping business cases and strategic plans for the future evolution of change management across the UniversityAbout YouYou will be an accomplished strategic change professional with extensive experience leading large-scale organisational transformation within a complex environment. You will combine deep expertise in change management with strong leadership capability, political awareness and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills.Comfortable operating at executive level, you will have a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build consensus across diverse groups. You will be highly collaborative, able to navigate complexity and committed to delivering sustainable organisational change.We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:Significant experience leading major organisational change and transformation programmesExperience influencing senior stakeholders and operating effectively within complex, devolved organisationsA strong track record of shaping and delivering organisation-wide strategy, policy and practiceProven leadership and people management experienceExpertise in change management, engagement and communicationsExcellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder management skillsThe ability to build organisational capability and foster long-term cultural changeWhy Join the University Change Support Office?You will play a leading role in delivering transformational change across the University, working with senior leaders to drive sustainable improvements and shape the institution's future success.Applications must include a CV and a covering letter.The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 13 November 2026.Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 10 December 2026.We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.Informal enquiries regarding this position can be made to: John Dennis, Director of Transformation Programmes ([e-mail])If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Caitlin Misso, Recruitment Coordinator, Senior Professional Appointments ([e-mail])Please quote reference YV51401 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.Apply online