Project Manager

Are you ready to deliver projects that power innovation, research, and education at one of the UK’s leading universities? 

This is your chance to lead complex, high-value technology projects that touch thousands of students, researchers, clinicians, and staff every day.

We are currently recruiting two experienced IT Project Managers to join our growing Campus Technology Services team that will be central to delivering our digital strategy and shaping the University’s future.

This opportunity is open to internal and external applicants, and we welcome interest from those seeking a secondment to further their development and contribute to meaningful, large-scale change.

Why join us?

From the lecture theatre to the lab bench, from student services to world-changing research, Technology at The University of Manchester underpins almost everything we do. 

Whether it’s managing the largest WiFi and LAN deployment on campus, supporting major upgrades to our virtual server and VMWare platforms, or rolling out secure, next-gen managed desktops across a 13,000+ device estate, your work will directly support breakthroughs in medicine, science, and education.

Across the two roles, we’re looking for expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Network Infrastructure: Delivery of large-scale LAN and WiFi implementations (Aruba stack)

• Virtual Server Environments: Hardware and platform migration, VMWare modernisation

• Desktop Modernisation: Campus-wide Windows 11 upgrades, Jamf for Apple device management, and deployment of a managed Linux desktop

These are complex, cross-functional initiatives that will require you to manage budgets, navigate dependencies, and bring together stakeholders from across IT Services, academic departments, and third-party partners. You’ll be trusted to lead delivery end-to-end, embedding best practice, and ensuring long-term sustainability and service transition.

What we’re looking for

• A proven track record in IT project delivery, ideally within a large and technically diverse organisation.

• Experience leading infrastructure or end-user technology projects across the full project lifecycle.

• Confidence managing third-party suppliers, negotiating scope, and maintaining momentum.

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trust with technical teams and senior stakeholders alike.

• Knowledge of both agile and traditional delivery methodologies—and the judgement to use them well.

Professional qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2, ITIL, Agile) are a bonus, but not essential - we care more about how you lead, solve problems, and get things done.

Why Manchester? Why now?

With more than 46,000 students, 13,000 staff and a physical and digital estate the size of a small city, The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s most ambitious and impactful institutions. We’re home to the UK’s largest medical research facility, a top-tier research computing capability, and a growing set of strategic programmes designed to elevate our digital services and infrastructure.

This is an exciting time to join a values-led organisation undergoing a major IT transformation. You’ll work alongside experienced and supportive colleagues, enjoy a collaborative culture, and be part of a community that prizes integrity, curiosity, and making a difference.

This isn’t just another project management role. It’s a career-defining opportunity to lead change, shape services, and leave a lasting impact.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Andrew Richards

Email: andrew.richards-2@manchester.ac.uk

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.