University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading academic centres. Our sustained pursuit of academic excellence is built on a long history of world-leading teaching and research within a distinctive collegiate system. For eight centuries our ideas and innovations have shaped the world and our affiliates have won more Nobel Prizes than any other University. In order to remain at the forefront of academic and research excellence, we must ensure that we have the people and processes in place to support our academic mission, which is why we are changing the way we approach and implement change. We are embarking on an exciting and challenging process of transforming the way we deliver professional services and developing new systems, tools and ways of working that enable both our staff and the University to thrive.

We have already embarked upon a series of ambitious transformation programmes, including the HR and Finance Transformation programmes and Transforming Research Support programme – signalling our appetite for change. The newly established Change and Programme Management Office (CPMO) will play a pivotal role coordinating and integrating these key transformation programmes, working closely with programme teams, staff and other key stakeholders to help the University move into an even stronger and more sustainable future.

We are now looking to appoint a Head of Strategic Change and Delivery to provide leadership to the CPMO and coordinate transformation programmes across the University. As Head of Strategic Change and Delivery, you will be responsible for managing the CPMO and Reimagining Professional Services (RPS) teams, supporting the CPM Board and developing the University’s overall capacity to manage and deliver change.  Reporting to the Academic Secretary, with functional reporting to the Chair of the CPM Board, you will act as an agent of change, playing a leading role in establishing a change culture at the University, and the appropriate structures to support it effectively.

The ideal candidate for this role will have experience of driving and delivering transformative change in the context of a large and complex organisation, ideally having both led teams and worked across matrix structures. You will need to develop a detailed understanding of the University’s strategic landscape and have the ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across the University. Experience of managing complex organisational change, dealing with ambiguity and a combination of strategic thinking with clear operational delivery ability will be key to your success in this role.

If you want to be a leading figure in the continuing history of the University of Cambridge, we want to hear from you.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Cambridge on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference IABSH. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Friday, 16th December.