Senior Project Manager

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Job information
The University of Bedfordshire is undertaking a large-scale change programme in that is aligned to the University strategy and ensures financial sustainability. The size and scale of the programme, plus the tight timeframe for delivery, means that additional support is required to help drive the change programme and ensure it delivers its objectives on time.

The Senior Project Manager is a newly created role for the academic year 2025/26 that is dedicated to the change programme. The post holder will play a critical role in driving forward the change, both at the overall programme level and through the support of individual projects, and will help set the approach to portfolio and project management across the University of Bedfordshire.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting the development and delivery of a consolidated programme plan and associated reporting frameworks.
• Managing interdependencies across projects, identifying risks, and proposing mitigating actions proactively.
• Working closely with project leads, senior managers, and other stakeholders to maintain momentum and ensure delivery on time and within scope.
• Acting as a "critical friend," offering guidance and support to improve project performance.
• Contributing to the establishment of a consistent and effective approach to project and portfolio management across the institution.
• Overseeing project documentation, change logs, action tracking, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of programme materials.

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What you'll bring:

• Significant experience of project and/or portfolio delivery within a higher education environment
• A track record of managing sensitive and complex restructuring programmes with considerable impacts on staffing
• Significant experience in project and risk management across multiple complex projects
• Strong situational awareness and ability to adapt approach accordingly
• A strong background in programme and portfolio management, including exposure to Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies.
• Strong stakeholder management skills - confident working with senior leaders, navigating uncertainty, and influencing at all levels.
• A flexible, solutions-focused, and collaborative approach to your work.

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For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Susan Clucas via email: susan.clucas@beds.ac.uk.

Interviews will be held on Monday 20th October 2025

For a full job description and person specification please click here.

The post will be based at Luton (with travel to other campuses as required). There is an opportunity for hybrid working.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.

At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.

We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.

We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. For further details, please click here

To Apply

Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.
For any enquires contact People & Culture email P&C@beds.ac.uk
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.