Change Management Lead

King's College London is one of the world's leading universities, with a global reputation for excellence in education, research and societal impact. Located in the heart of London, King's is home to more than 40,000 students and 12,000 staff from across the world and is consistently ranked amongst the UK's and world's leading universities.

King’s College London and Cranfield University are coming together through a proposed merger. We are looking for an experienced Change Management Lead to help both institutions, and their staff, students and communities, through the change.

Based in the Merger Management Office and working closely with our Communications and People directorates, this role leads the design and delivery of the change management strategy for the proposed merger. It spans change impact assessment, stakeholder engagement and readiness activity, turning insight into practical action that shapes programme decisions, communications and Day One readiness. Supporting senior leaders across both institutions to guide their communities through a period of uncertainty and opportunity is central to the role.

We are seeking someone with significant experience of developing and delivering change management strategies in large, complex organisations through mergers and acquisitions. A strong understanding of organisational culture and the people impacts of change is essential, as are the influencing skills to work with senior stakeholders and the judgement and discretion to operate in a sensitive, high-profile environment.

Experience in higher education, research or the public sector would be valuable but is not essential.

For further information, please visit the job description. For a confidential and informal conversation, please contact the King’s Seach team at

kings-search@kcl.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 4th November 2026, 23:59 hours

Interviews will be taking place mid-November

Role purpose

The Change Management Lead will work closely with existing Communications and People directorates to design, develop and deliver the change management strategy for the King's College London and Cranfield University Merger Programme, ensuring the merger is planned and implemented with a clear understanding of its impact on people, culture and communities across King's and Cranfield.

The role will lead change impact assessment, stakeholder engagement and change readiness activity, translating insight into practical interventions that inform programme decisions, communications, integration planning and Day One readiness.

The postholder will help both institutions navigate uncertainty, concern and opportunity by creating meaningful ways for staff, students and other stakeholders to engage, contribute and understand what the merger means for them. They will work closely with the Merger Management Office, Communications, People and academic and professional services leads across both institutions.

For more information and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above and submit your CV and a supporting statement showing how you meet the essential criteria.

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