Strategic Programme Planning Lead

Job title: Strategic Programme Planning Lead

Company: University of Manchester


Job description: The University of Manchester are seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Strategic Programme Planning Lead to join their Future Foundations ERP Programme Team.The Planning Manager will play a critical role in the Future Foundations ERP Programme by developing, maintaining, and managing the integrated programme plan. This includes ensuring the plan accurately reflects both in-house and partner-led delivery activities, aligning all components with the programme’s strategic objectives.The role is essential for ensuring the programme is delivered in a coordinated and effective manner, with a strong focus on critical paths, dependencies, schedule risks, and progress toward key milestones. The Planning Manager will proactively identify and address any potential issues that could impact the programme’s timeline and report accordingly..Working closely with the Programme Manager, Workstream Leads, Transformation Partner, PMO colleagues, and other delivery partners, the Planning Manager will provide a single, trusted view of the programme’s delivery, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and informed throughout the process.Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Proven experience in programme or project planning, ideally within large-scale transformation or ERP programmes.
• Strong proficiency in project management and planning software (e.g., MS Project or similar tools), with the ability to develop, maintain, and manage complex integrated plans.
• In-depth understanding of programme management methodologies, critical path analysis, dependency mapping, and risk management techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders, including Programme Managers, Workstream Leads, and external partners, ensuring alignment and timely delivery.
• Ability to proactively identify risks, delays, and issues within the programme and implement solutions to mitigate impact and keep the project on track.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex planning information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail, ensuring accurate tracking of progress, dependencies, and milestones.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of planning and deliver
• Capable of working with a high degree of autonomy, driving programme planning with minimal supervision in a dynamic environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications:

• Relevant project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2)
• Experience of applying policies and procedures relating to Equality and Diversity, Information Governance and Data Protection.
• Experience of undertaking projects in Higher Education or similar complex organisation.

As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including:

• Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
• Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
• Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
• Learning and development opportunities
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Staff recognition schemes
• Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.Any CV’s submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift.Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:Name: Jen Pass, Talent Acquisition Business PartnerEmail:General enquiries:Email:Technical support:This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.

Expected salary:

Location: Manchester

Job date: Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:03:02 GMT

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