Are you passionate about playing a pivotal role in the successful delivery of strategic projects?   

Do you thrive on helping others turn strategy into action?

Are you ready to lead a talented team of project specialists, and help shape the future of our pioneering university?

If so we’d love to hear from you.

Here at Loughborough University, we’re looking for an experienced and people-focused leader to take on the role of Head of Strategic Portfolio Management Office (SPMO) and Projects.  This is a vital role at the heart of our university where our projects turn ideas into action, and strategy becomes reality.

What you will be doing:

• Are you someone who sees both the big picture and the detail? You’ll lead the development and delivery of our university-wide change and project portfolio, guiding stakeholders to ensure every initiative supports our long-term goals and benefits achieved.
• Do you enjoy bringing clarity, structure and purpose to complex environments? You’ll be responsible for guardianship of our project governance, enabling effective decision making and prioritisation.
• Do you thrive on balancing hands-on delivery with strategic leadership? You’ll take ownership of high-impact project whilst simultaneously overseeing the broader portfolio.  You’ll be adept at shifting between operational execution and strategic oversight – ensuring critical projects are delivered successfully whilst nurturing a high-performance culture across the project and change community.

What you will bring:

Do you have significant experience ensuring successful complex portfolio management and change delivery in complex organisations?

• Are you confident influencing at senior levels while staying grounded in delivery and team development?
• Do you bring a pragmatic, strategic mindset, alongside expertise in project/programme management?
• Are you comfortable working strategically as well as rolling up your sleeves to programme or project manage major initiatives yourself?
• Do you have experience of running or being part of a Portfolio Management Office?
• Are you someone who values openness, equity, inclusion, and a shared sense of purpose?

Then you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

Why join us:

• We pride ourselves on being a collaborative, inclusive university where everyone can have an impact and people are valued as much as performance.
• You’ll be working closely with senior leaders to drive change across our institution, in a role where your voice matters and your work has meaning.
• Our atmosphere and team spirit on campus inspires and empowers people to achieve extraordinary things. This progressive and ambitious attitude is reflected in our success as one of the top-performing universities in the country.
• We are a welcoming place where you can be authentic self and work collaborative with others to create a better future, for everyone.
• We offer a strong community of diverse people with different perspectives, values and attitudes working in an inclusive environment where differences are valued; where unfair treatment and discrimination is challenged; and where all individuals can reach their full potential regardless of their background. We will expect you to share this commitment too.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Head of SPMO and Projects, you’ll be working at both a strategic and operational level to ensure successful implementation and benefit realisation of high priority initiatives, overseeing portfolio and project management, resource allocation and risk management. You’ll also be working to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of portfolio management processes and project delivery, ensuring pragmatic and tailored approaches that suit the needs of the University.

To be successful in the role:

• You’ll need strong knowledge and experience of portfolio and project management methodologies as well as a solid track record of planning and implementing strategic change programmes and complex projects in a large complex organisation or UK HE environment.
• You will have proven experience of building relationships and working effectively with senior stakeholders, including in committee structures.
• You will have strong experience of building and leading high performing SPMOs / Project teams at the same time as prioritising individual wellbeing.
• You’ll have a proven ability to lead groups to collectively problem solve and innovate.
• You will be an advocate of EDI in all aspects of your work and committed to providing an outstanding employee experience to further develop our status as a UK HE employer of choice.

If you're ready to join a team that's committed to excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us on our journey to success. Creating Better Futures. TOGETHER’  

In return, we offer you a great place to work, with friendly co-workers and a generous employment package including:

• Up to 44 days leave per year (including Bank Holidays and University Closure days).
• Hybrid working
• Generous pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• BUPA Cash Plan (100 Scheme)
• Incremental pay structure
• A range of childcare support initiatives and benefits including childcare vouchers; on-site university nursery (with salary sacrifice scheme); and holiday play schemes.
• Season ticket loan scheme
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Fantastic range of sports and gym facilities and preferential membership packages available
• On campus parking with charging points for electric vehicles  

To Apply:

For more information please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. 

Closing Date:  1st June 2025

Interview Date: 24th of July 2025

For Informal enquiries please email: 

Organisational.Development@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk