Job description
Learn about the role, responsibilities and what the employer is looking for.
The opportunity
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking governance professional to join Lancaster University as Head of Strategic Projects. This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver transformational projects across a leading UK university as we prepare to launch our new Institutional Strategy for 2027-32.
We are looking for someone with a strong track record of successfully delivering complex organisational change and transformation. You will help ensure that long-term strategic projects are clearly identified, prioritised and scoped, and that robust structures, governance and project management frameworks are in place to support effective delivery.
You will:
- shape and manage a portfolio of strategic projects aligned to University priorities
- support, coach and develop a team of project and programme managers
- strengthen programme and project management processes, governance and assurance
- ensure risks are effectively managed and benefits are clearly defined and measured
- oversee delivery plans, KPIs, budgets, milestones and dependencies
- provide clear, timely and transparent reporting to senior leaders and relevant University governing bodies
- build effective partnerships across senior academic and professional services stakeholders
An understanding of higher education would be valuable, but more importantly we are looking for substantial experience of leading complex, organisation-wide strategic or transformational programmes in a large organisation.
About you
We are looking for someone who has:
- recent experience of establishing, leading or managing a project or programme management function
- significant experience of delivering strategic or transformational change in a large and complex organisation
- strong strategic portfolio planning and prioritisation skills, with a clear focus on alignment, KPIs, benefits, timescales, budgets and rigorous governance
- the ability to identify, manage and resolve strategic risks and issues
- strong influencing, collaboration and relationship-building skills in a complex, distributed decision-making environment
- the ability to establish effective structures, processes and reporting that provide transparency and support sound decision-making
You will also bring a relevant degree or professional qualification, or substantial relevant experience including extensive strategic management and leadership experience.
Why work with us
Lancaster University offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including a competitive salary, generous employer pension scheme, 39 days off a year including University closure days at Easter and Christmas and bank holidays, family-friendly policies and flexible benefits.
Find out more about our employee benefits at https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs.
Contract and contact
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Dr Michael Wykes, Director of Strategic Planning and Governance, at m.wykes@lancaster.ac.uk
This is a full time indefinite appointment and we are happy to talk about flexible working arrangements.