Assistant Director, Strategic Portfolio Management

About the role

As Assistant Director of Strategic Portfolio Management, you’ll be at the heart of shaping and delivering the University of Sussex’s strategic change agenda. Sitting within Sussex Projects (our Central Enterprise Portfolio Management Office), you’ll lead a talented team of portfolio, programme and project managers, working collaboratively across the institution to turn the Sussex 2035 vision into a coherent, prioritised programme of capital investment and transformation.

This is a leadership role with real influence — you’ll oversee the strategic change portfolio, lead the annual capital planning cycle, and embed best practices in benefits realisation, resource management, and governance. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, providing insight, challenge, and assurance to support high-impact decision-making.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for driving meaningful change, and you thrive in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact at a world-leading university.

About you

You’re a strategic thinker and confident leader, with a proven track record in portfolio management within complex organisations. You bring clarity to complexity, using your analytical skills and insight to guide decision-making and drive meaningful change. You’re comfortable operating at a senior level — influencing, advising, and collaborating with stakeholders across the institution.

You thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and are passionate about delivering high-quality outcomes. You understand the importance of aligning capital investment, benefits realisation, and resource planning to institutional priorities — and you know how to make that happen.

You lead with purpose, inspire your team, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Whether you're presenting to governance boards, coaching your team, or shaping strategic plans, you bring energy, credibility, and a commitment to excellence.

About our Division

Please find further information regarding the division at IT Services & Sussex Projects: University of Sussex

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion

Further Key Information

Please contact Ian Duffy (i.duffy@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

For full details and how to apply, click the 'Apply' button above.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. 

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role may be eligible for sponsorship. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page  for further information about Visa Sponsorship. 

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