Director of strategic programmes - Technology and governance

At Jisc, we're passionate about harnessing the power of technology and data to transform education, research and innovation. As the UK's vital digital, data and technology partner, we work at the heart of the education and research community, helping institutions unlock their potential, solve complex challenges and create opportunities that change lives.

For more than 30 years, we've built world-class networks, delivered defining digital services and provided trusted expertise that enables universities, colleges and research organisations to innovate, collaborate and thrive.

Our work touches the lives of millions of learners, educators, researchers and staff every day, often behind the scenes. From supporting groundbreaking discoveries and life-changing research to enhancing teaching, learning and the student experience, we help our members inspire progress and create lasting impact.

Join Jisc and be part of an organisation with a bold vision: to transform how knowledge is created, shared and used, helping shape a more connected, innovative and inclusive future for education, research and society as a whole.

We're seeking an exceptional Director of Strategic Programmes to lead the delivery of a transformational investment programme expected to exceed £300 million over four years. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future resilience, capability and security of the UK's research and education infrastructure, delivering outcomes that will have a lasting national impact.

This is not a technical specialist role. Instead, we're looking for an accomplished programme leader who can bring together people, partners, suppliers and stakeholders behind a shared vision, providing the direction, governance and delivery excellence needed to turn ambitious investment plans into measurable outcomes.

As Director of strategic programmes, you will lead one of Jisc's most strategically important initiatives. Working at executive level across Jisc, government bodies, suppliers, customers and delivery partners, you will oversee the successful mobilisation and delivery of a complex portfolio of work spanning infrastructure, networks, cyber resilience, organisational change and service transformation.

You’ll be responsible for creating the conditions for success: establishing robust governance, ensuring effective assurance and risk management, maintaining stakeholder confidence and driving a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

The decisions you make will help ensure the services and infrastructure relied upon by universities, colleges, research organisations and innovators across the UK remain resilient, secure and future-ready.

• Providing overall leadership for a major strategic transformation programme, to benefits realisation.
• Developing and securing confidence in programme strategies, plans, governance structures and delivery approaches.
• Leading engagement with senior stakeholders, including government representatives, funders, executive leaders, customers and strategic partners.
• Managing substantial programme budgets and ensuring investment delivers measurable value and long-term benefits.
• Overseeing programme governance, assurance, risk management and executive reporting.
• Building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and delivery excellence.
• Managing complex supplier relationships and commercial partnerships to ensure strong performance and value for money.
• Driving organisational change, adoption and operational readiness to ensure successful transition into business-as-usual…