Programme Manager

Are you an experienced programme manager who thrives on bringing order to complexity?

We have an exciting opportunity within the University of Sheffield's IT Services for someone who's driven by seeing complex change deliver results and wants to play a central role in one of the most significant transformations our department has undertaken.

About the role

IT Services is partway through an ambitious Operating Model Programme — a multi-year redesign of how we organise, resource and work, so we can better support the University's strategic priorities. This is where you come in: we need someone who can make sure that ambition translates into real momentum.

You'll be the person who keeps a fast-moving, multi-workstream programme joined up — spotting where things could collide before they do and clearing the path so delivery teams can focus on the work rather than the friction around it. You'll turn the programme's plan, risks and progress into reporting that gives senior stakeholders genuine confidence in where things stand. You'll work closely with workstream leads, help teams across the department understand and adopt the changes ahead, and build the kind of relationships that get things unstuck when they matter most.

This is a permanent role. Your initial focus will be the Operating Model Programme, and as our priorities evolve, you'll take on delivery management of other significant programmes and projects across the ITS portfolio — so there's genuine variety and room to grow from day one.

Who we're looking for

You'll bring significant experience of steering complex programmes or projects through to results in a large, matrixed organisation — ideally including organisational or operating model change. You're someone who can operate confidently within an established governance framework, translate progress into a story that lands with different audiences, and stay clear-headed when priorities shift or ambiguity creeps in. You know how to bring people with you, even when they don't report to you.

Whether you're already part of the University looking for your next step, or joining us from another sector entirely, what matters most is your ability to bring structure and momentum to complex delivery — not where you've done it before. Experience in agile or product-led delivery environments, or a recognised PM qualification (MSP, APM PMQ, PRINCE2), would be an advantage but isn't essential.

What we offer

This is a Grade 8 role with a salary of £47,874–£56,921 (with potential to progress to £63,929 through sustained exceptional contribution), reporting to the Head of Portfolio. We offer hybrid and flexible working, a minimum of 41 days' annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and a genuine commitment to your development. Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

Informal enquiries: Amy Garrett-Payne, Head of Portfolio — a.garrett@sheffield.ac.uk

Advert information