Planning for the Future Programme Manager

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Job Purpose

The Planning for the Future (PFF) Programme Manager will be critical in successfully delivering the PFF programme within the College of Social Sciences. The role will oversee the PFF programme's mobilisation, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and delivering value for stakeholders, including staff, students, and senior leaders. The Programme Manager will establish robust governance structures, coordinate diverse workstreams, and foster effective collaboration across the College and University.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Management and Governance

• Lead the end-to-end management of the PFF programme, from mobilisation to delivery of key workstreams.
• Ensure the delivery programme is led by programme objectives, scope, and deliverables in alignment with the College's strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain robust programme governance structures, including clear roles and responsibilities for the Programme Board, PMO, and other stakeholders, and ensuring efficient and effective decision-making across all levels.
• Manage programme reporting mechanisms, ensuring visibility of progress, risks, and issues through a unified project planning tool, escalating risks for mitigation as appropriate across the programme.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and processes for programme management.

Workstream Coordination

• Collaborate with workstream leads to finalise objectives, outcomes, and interdependencies.
• Facilitate the establishment of workstream delivery structures, ensuring alignment with programme goals and timelines.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic staff, professional services, students, and external stakeholders are required via the workstreams
• Act as a liaison between the College, University committees, and external stakeholders to drive collaboration and ensure effective communication.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan for programme updates and milestones.

Programme Transition and Delivery Support

• Lead the development and execution of change management strategies to support programme delivery.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the programme, ensuring adaptability to emerging challenges.
• Support a culture of innovation and collaborative working across the PFF programme.

Resource Management

• Assess resources required for successful programme delivery, including management of a direct Programme Management Office
• Assess resource requirements for ongoing workstream delivery, working with the workstream leads and reporting to the Programme Director.
• Monitor and report on programme budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Build and manage a high-performing team, including temporary project staff as needed.

Measurement and Evaluation

• Define and implement metrics for tracking programme success and benefits, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Produce regular updates and final reports for the Programme Board and other governance bodies.
• Capture lessons learned and integrate them into future programme management practices.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in programme/project management role/s.

A2 Detailed knowledge and understanding of programme and project management theory and Practice.

A3 Strong understanding of governance structures and stakeholder engagement in large-scale initiatives.

Desirable

B1 Professional qualifications in programme or project management (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2).

B2 Strong understanding of the higher education sector's operational and strategic landscape.

Experience

Essential

C1 Significant experience (typically 3+ years) in programme, project, or change management within a complex organisation, preferably in higher education.

C2 Broad experience using programme/project management methodology in the delivery of significant benefits to the business.

C3 Proven track record of successfully leading end-to-end projects with a demonstrable record of successful delivery.

C4 Proven ability to lead diverse teams and deliver successful outcomes against tight deadlines.

C5 Proven success and experience in establishing and maintaining relationships at all levels of a complex organisation by inspiring trust and confidence.

C6 Experience in preparing and presenting highly complex written information and presenting information verbally and with impact for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Skills

Essential

E1 Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.

E2 Strong analytical skills, including managing risks, assessing resource requirements, and evaluating programme performance.

£3 Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £49,250 - £56,921 per annum pro rata.

This post is part time (17.5 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 3 years from start date.

Closing Date: 6 February 2025 at 23:45