Transformation Manager

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an OE Transformation Manager to lead university-wide projects and drive operational excellence. You will guide problem definition, design solutions, and manage complex implementations across campus, collaborating with faculty and staff for impact.

This permanent, full-time role requires strong analytics, change management experience, and proficient use of PowerPoint and Excel to present progress to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 1–2 years’ experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years’ experience, or equivalent substitution.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex enterprise-wide projects and/or strategic and operational reviews, preferably in higher education or non-profit environments.
• Strong problem solving, project management, change management, and communication skills; ability to facilitate and present.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide transformational leadership for university-wide projects and initiatives.
• Define problems through interviews and data analysis; scope and prioritize projects with stakeholders.
• Facilitate structured solution design and advise on feasibility and impact of proposed solutions.
• Oversee implementation of complex, high-priority projects and manage change, tracking metrics and outcomes.

Skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Change management

Interpersonal communication

Facilitation

Influence without direct authority

Analytical thinking

Higher education awareness

PowerPoint proficiency

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Posting Information

• Department Operational Excellence-203000
• Career Area Academic Administration
• Posting Open Date 09/18/2026
• Application Deadline 10/11/2026
• Open Until Filled No
• Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title Transformation Manager
• Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number 20078698
• Vacancy ID NF0010057
• Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
• FTE 1
• Hours per week 40
• Position Location North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range $80,000-$89,610
• Proposed Start Date 11/30/2026

Position Information

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

Operational Excellence applies a holistic lens to solving campus-wide challenges and advancing opportunities to improve administrative and operational functions supporting the University’s mission. Operating in three buckets, Operational Excellence plans and executes executive level projects, transforms administrative operations, and develops continuous improvement competencies campus-wide.

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence (OE) team acts as a catalyst for change and a champion of transformation to support the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. The OE Transformation Manager is a full-time, permanent staff member on the OE team working across Carolina to lead and ensure the overall success of projects initiated by the Office of the Chancellor or Provost. Depending on the complexity and/or scope of the project, the Transformation Manager may be responsible for only one project at a time or may lead two to three projects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Transformational Leadership: Provide leadership and direction for projects that will transform the University’s operations. Provide strategic thought partnership and share best practices with university leaders, leveraging the knowledge and experience of the Operational Excellence team.
• Project Definition: Research problems from every angle through interviews and data analysis, then define a project to address the root cause. Work with faculty, staff, and students to identify opportunities that align with the University’s priorities and are high-impact or add significant value. Meet with subject matter experts to define, scope, and prioritize projects. Work with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence and Chief Transformation and Integration Officer to understand the goal of each project, what success looks like, and how it can be measured.
• Solution Design: Facilitate structured solution design for complex challenges by bringing together diverse perspectives from across campus to evaluate a problem, design a solution, and plan for implementation. Provide guidance on feasibility and impact of proposed solutions.
• Implementation (Project and Change Management): Provide dedicated support for initiating and implementing a change. Oversee the implementation of complex university-wide or high priority projects. Monitor deliverables throughout the project lifecycle to ensure completeness, consistency, and quality. Identify and track metrics to measure success. Deliver tangible and quantifiable process and operational improvements. Manage the people side of change to ensure successful implementation, adoption, and reinforcement. Introduce tools and methodologies that enable continuous quality improvement. Proactively flag issues or barriers to success and work with the project team to create a relevant action plan.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Master’s and 1-2 years’ experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

None

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of complex enterprise-wide projects and/or strategic and operational reviews, preferably within a higher education or non-profit environment.

The Successful Candidate Should Be Able To Demonstrate

• Excellent problem-solving skills, ability to help others organize problem solving and act
• Project management experience, preferably with organizational metrics component
• Change management experience, preferably certification
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Group facilitation and presentation skills
• An ability to distill insights from multiple sources of information into an executive-level overview
• An ability to influence others, even without direct management responsibility
• An analytical orientation, comfortable with understanding inputs to metrics and setting realistic targets
• An ability to establish strong standing and respect within the organization
• A strong understanding of business and policy issues faced by organizations in higher education
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325685

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Karen West, HR and Business Ops. Specialist

Department Contact Telephone or Email [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.