Transformation Workstream Lead

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 1 321 000 - 1 403 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent higher education institution in South Africa is seeking experienced Transformation Workstream Leads. The successful candidates will lead strategic transformation initiatives to improve performance and stakeholder experience. Candidates should have a proven track record in higher education or public sector, with strong planning and communication skills. This role offers competitive compensation ranging from £58,225 to £61,759 per annum, with potential progression to £67,468. Closing date for applications is 20 November 2025.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Great pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading or coordinating complex projects or workstreams in higher education or public sector environments.
• Strong planning, organisational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Skilled in using project management tools and techniques to deliver outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver assigned transformation workstreams to agreed milestones and quality standards.
• Achieve high levels of engagement across academic and professional services.
• Identify, assess and manage risks and dependencies.
• Maintain detailed workstream plans and timelines.

Skills

Project management skills

Communication skills

Planning and organizing

Job description

Salary : 58225 to 61759 with progression to 67468 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date : 20 November 2025

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity within the transformation team for two experienced Transformation Workstream Leads.

You will lead the successful delivery of strategic transformation initiatives within a university-wide programme ensuring that each workstream achieves measurable improvements in institutional performance, stakeholder experience and alignment with long-term academic and operational goals.

In order to be successful you should have proven experience of leading or coordinating complex workstreams within a Higher Education or Public Sector environment. You will be highly skilled at planning and organising with exceptional communications skills. You will be results‑orientated to deliver and achieve positive outcomes with a high regard for success.

We have two posts available: 1FTE – 2 year fixed term contract and 1FTE – open ended.

• Please indicate on your application which of these or both is of interest to you.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Head of Hub Operations Corporate Affairs.

To apply please upload your CV along with a cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined in the job description.

Key Outcomes & Accountabilities

Strategic Workstream Leadership

• Deliver assigned transformation workstreams (e.g. curriculum reform student systems research support estates) to agreed milestones, scope and quality standards.
• Ensure each workstream contributes directly to programme-level strategic objectives and measurable institutional benefits.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Achieve high levels of engagement and collaboration across academic and professional services ensuring stakeholder input shapes workstream outcomes.
• Ensure Change Managers drive adoption, training and communication activities that result in sustained behavioural and process change.

Risk & Dependency Management

• Proactively identify, assess and manage risks and dependencies ensuring timely mitigation and escalation where needed.
• Maintain transparent reporting and governance structures that support informed decision‑making.

Planning & Execution

• Maintain detailed workstream plans, timelines and progress reports that support agile and adaptive delivery.
• Ensure outputs are delivered on time and to a high standard with clear links to business cases and implementation plans.

Benefit Realisation

• Define and track KPIs and success metrics for each workstream ensuring benefits are realised and sustained post‑delivery.
• Contribute to programme‑level reporting and continuous improvement through lessons learned and feedback loops.

The Person

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience leading or coordinating complex projects or workstreams in higher education or public sector environments.
• Strong planning, organisational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Skilled in using project management tools and techniques to deliver outcomes.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in higher education transformation (e.g. student systems curriculum review digital initiatives).
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2 Agile).
• Understanding of university governance, academic processes and the student lifecycle.
• Experience in data‑driven decision‑making, process improvement or service design.

Attributes

• Outcome‑focused, adaptable and proactive.
• Professional and quality‑driven with the ability to lead by example.
• Strong influencing skills including in matrix environments without direct line authority.
• Able to build effective relationships across organisational levels and adapt communication style accordingly.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams and who believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.