Strategic Programme Development Manager

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606.

Strategic Programmes & Change is a high-performing team with a critical role at the heart of the University. We work with senior leaders to align stakeholders, set strategic direction and deliver outcomes — helping the University achieve its ambitions as a Global Top 50 institution and long-term financial sustainability. Our portfolio is complex, fast-moving and varied; no two days are the same.

The Role

We are looking for a Strategic Programme Development Manager to join our highly regarded change management unit. The successful candidate will:

• Have a proven track record of delivering outcomes in complex, fast-paced environments, with the resilience to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• Think strategically — bringing clarity to ambiguity, identifying paths forward and developing creative solutions to difficult problems.
• Build effective relationships across organisational boundaries, balancing competing interests to collaboratively build consensus and drive results.
• Shape thinking, influence decisions and drive action – using clear, persuasive communication to build confidence, align stakeholders and deliver measurable outcomes. 

The post holder will enable the development and delivery of complex, University-wide initiatives that advance the Birmingham 2030 strategy. Working with senior academic and professional services leaders, the role will turn strategic ambitions into robust business cases, practical delivery plans and define measurable outcomes.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Relevant degree or relevant equivalent professional qualification (change management, project management), plus substantial relevant experience evidencing the experience required in this role.
• Outstanding writing skills: with the ability to write/prepare high-quality papers, presentations, reports and briefings to Project Board, Executive Board, and Council (our governing body) levels. This includes a clear style of communication and the ability to write for different audiences.
• Experience of developing robust strategic businesses cases to Executive Board and governing body level, in collaboration with senior stakeholders, for significant cross- functional strategic initiatives, for example major capital investments, substantial organisational change.
• Evidenced successful setup and delivery of strategic programmes and projects (including structures, processes, tools & methods) in a complex governance organisation.
• Experience of developing effective networks and strong relationships at all levels in a complex organisation in order to support the delivery of major initiatives.
• Highly developed research skills and experience of producing and analysing complex source material, information and data and turning these into purposeful reports or strategic and operational plans that influence policy and assist decision making.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills, with an ability to use a range of communication skills and strategies to gain commitment to action or change.

Informal enquires can be made to Stuart Harvey at s.harvey@bham.ac.uk. 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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