Programme Manager (HE Sector)

Programme Manager (HE Sector)

Rate - 550 (A day)

Location - Yorkshire (Hybrid)

Duration - 6 Months (Initially)

Ir35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company)

The Programme Manager will lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of multiple strategic and operational projects across the Higher Education (HE) environment. They will ensure programmes are aligned with institutional priorities, regulatory frameworks, and academic governance standards. The role requires expert stakeholder management, experience working within complex university structures, and strong leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end management of multiple concurrent projects within the HE sector, ensuring delivery to scope, budget, and timeline.
• Develop and maintain programme plans, risk logs, and governance structures in line with university regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement across academic, professional services, and student experience initiatives.
• Design and implement high-quality monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks for programme performance.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with senior academics, faculty leadership, professional services, and external partners.
• Lead programme boards, steering groups, and working groups, ensuring effective communication and decision-making.
• Support academic leads in the delivery of strategic educational initiatives, accreditation requirements, and curriculum development.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with sector regulatory bodies (e.g., OfS, QAA, PSRBs) and contribute to audit and review processes.
• Champion effective project governance, documentation, and quality assurance processes across the institution.
• Oversee resource allocation, procurement, and contract management for programme-related activity.

Team Leadership

• Line manage project officers/coordinators, providing coaching, professional development, and workload oversight.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation across programme teams.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience delivering complex programmes within the Higher Education sector (university, HE institution, or research environment).
• Demonstrable success managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of academic governance, HE regulatory frameworks, and internal institutional processes.
• Highly effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and academic staff.
• Proficient in programme management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile, MSP).
• Advanced skills in data analysis, reporting, and the use of project management systems (e.g., MS Project, SharePoint, JIRA).
• Experience leading teams and driving performance in a matrixed HE environment.

Desirable

• Experience delivering digital transformation or student journey improvement projects.
• Professional project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP, APM PMQ).
• Experience working with external agencies, funding bodies, or accrediting organisations.