Project Manager

Are you an experienced Project Manager looking to deliver meaningful change at scale within one of the world’s leading universities?

The University of Manchester is seeking a motivated Project Manager to join our Strategic Change Office (SCO). This is an exciting opportunity to lead complex projects supporting the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy, including Future Foundations, a major programme enabling long-term strategic transformation.

As part of the central change function, you will manage a varied portfolio of strategic initiatives, often leading multiple projects concurrently. These projects span people, process and technology change, including service transformation, organisational change, digital delivery and student-focused improvements that support Manchester 2035.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will help shape solutions, navigate complexity and deliver lasting benefits for staff, students and the wider community. Your work will contribute to turning strategic ambition into tangible outcomes and shaping the future of the University.

About the Role

As a Project Manager in the SCO, you will lead projects from initiation through to delivery and benefits realisation. You will manage multiple priorities, stakeholders and dependencies across a diverse portfolio of change initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading projects across the full lifecycle, from business case development to implementation and benefits realisation
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders
• Establishing and managing governance, risks, issues, budgets, resources and project controls
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver outcomes
• Facilitating workshops, supporting decision-making and providing clear project reporting
• Promoting continuous improvement and best practice in project management
• Managing multiple projects, ensuring effective prioritisation and delivery against agreed outcomes

About You

You will be an experienced Project Manager with a track record of delivering complex projects and change initiatives within large, dynamic organisations. You will bring clarity, structure and momentum to complex challenges.

You will bring:

• Proven experience across the full project lifecycle, from initiation to benefits realisation
• Strong communication and influencing skills, engaging stakeholders at all levels
• Experience managing governance, risks, issues, budgets and resources while maintaining delivery momentum
• The ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with confidence navigating ambiguity and driving decisions
• Experience working in complex environments where priorities may evolve
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to senior stakeholders
• Experience managing multiple projects and balancing competing priorities
• A proactive, adaptable and resilient approach, with a focus on continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting time to join The University of Manchester. Through Manchester 2035, the University has set an ambitious vision supported by significant strategic change and investment.

As part of the Strategic Change Office, you will play a key role in delivering this vision. Working on high-impact initiatives, including Future Foundations, you will help drive improvements that enhance the student experience, support staff and strengthen the University’s global impact.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, opportunities for development, and the chance to collaborate with colleagues committed to delivering positive change.

Join us and help shape the future of The University of Manchester.

The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

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