Strategic Change Manager - Executive Division Grade 8

Job Description

Position Details – Executive Division

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Full‑time, Permanent – Grade 8
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535, with potential progression to £63,606
Closing date: 29 June 2026
First‑stage interviews: 6 and 7 July 2026

Strategic Programmes & Change is a high‑performing team that works with senior leaders to align stakeholders, set strategic direction and deliver outcomes, helping the University reach its ambitions as a Global Top 50 institution.

• Proven track record of delivering outcomes in complex, fast‑paced environments, with resilience to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities
• Strategic thinking – bringing clarity to ambiguity, identifying paths forward and developing creative solutions to difficult problems
• Building effective relationships across organisational boundaries to drive results
• Impactful communication – breaking down challenges collaboratively and demonstrating tangible outcomes

The post holder will take responsibility for the end‑to‑end delivery of change across a range of strategically important initiatives, including transformational Professional Services efficiency programmes and projects spanning academic strategy implementation and cross‑departmental working.

Our impact philosophy is simple: align with strategic priorities, lead with purpose, collaborate across boundaries, build institutional change capability, and deliver measurable benefits.

Benefits include good holidays, a pension scheme, flexibility (currently a pattern of three or four days from campus), and ample opportunities for learning and development.

Lead and manage significant, complex University‑wide initiatives in collaboration with Programme / Project Sponsors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the delivery of the Strategic Programme & Change portfolio, from initiation through implementation and evaluation, ensuring projects enable the University’s Birmingham 2030 ambitions and deliver measurable benefits.
• Working closely with sponsors to plan change requirements and ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with the project charter and plan.
• Using negotiation, communication and creativity to gain agreement across stakeholders, including staff groups affected by significant changes.
• Coordinating initiative strands, ensuring effective communication flows to all stakeholders.
• Implementing change and process improvement methodologies such as diagnostic exercises, process mapping, rapid improvement events.
• Developing benefits realisation plans and engagement strategies for a wide range of stakeholders.
• Preparing and presenting reports, proposals and papers for senior meetings.
• Collaborating with other teams to ensure a consistent approach to change across the University.

• Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive culture.
• Deploy our institutional Portfolio and Programme Enabling Frameworks, contributing to the development of the University’s programme and change management capability.
• Identify and adopt best practice within and outside higher education.
• Develop and deliver training and support for staff managing programmes and change.
• Contribute proactively to the continued success and development of the team.

• Develop and implement cross‑functional strategic plans, aligning work streams to institutional priorities.
• Design and facilitate workshops with senior stakeholders to develop detailed strategies and build shared commitment.
• Lead process mapping, redesign and implementation, taking end‑to‑end responsibility.
• Implement robust change management frameworks, including benefits realisation and risk management.
• Convene and facilitate relevant working groups to drive meaningful progress.
• Produce high‑quality documentation to enable decision‑making and support project outcomes.
• Develop stakeholder communications strategies using a range of channels.
• Gather and analyse data to build evidence, track progress and develop credible benefits plans.

• Relevant degree or…