Senior Project Manager

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Job Description - Senior Project Manager ()

Overview Senior Project Manager; Computing and Information Services; Fixed Term - Full Time; Contract Duration: 2 Years. Closing Date: 19-Feb-2026, 11:59:00 PM. Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

The University

Durham University is a globally recognised centre of educational excellence with a collegiate community and a unique setting. Further information about the University can be found here. For benefits and information about living in the Durham area, see the Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department The Computing and Information Services (CIS) has an annual operational budget in excess of £12m, multi-million pound programmes of change within the year, and approximately 185 staff. The Senior Leadership Team reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with portfolios including Strategy and Change; Operations; Information Systems; and Cyber Security. CIS works with departments across the university to provide academic, teaching and administrative services underpinning day-to-day activities. Details of the Digital Strategy and ongoing work can be found at .

CIS is a friendly but demanding department where much is expected and achieved by competent, self-motivated individuals who work well in teams. The department operates in a hybrid capacity and is based at Boldon House - Durham University.

The University has an exciting programme of activity ahead spanning technical infrastructure enhancements and business-led IT projects with corresponding business change. In this role you will play a key part in a number of initiatives or one large project with corresponding complexity.

The key responsibility of the role is delivering the required project deliverables within the specified time frame, cost and quality, and the role will also:

• Lead the planning and implementation of project initiatives.
• Identify and manage project dependencies, risks, issues and the critical path.
• Oversee and manage project scope, tasks, goals, deliverables and timelines in accordance with enterprise project management tools and philosophies.
• Monitor the progress of project(s), highlighting exceptions as required.
• Coordinate staff teams to deliver project successes.
• Support the delivery of project benefits as presented in the Business Case (in conjunction with others).

The department's PMO is a driven and motivated team with a strong vision for what project management can achieve. We are looking for a multi-skilled project manager with a track record of successful project delivery to join our PMO team.

Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham A competitive salary is only part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - 42 days total per year; Christmas to New Year closure applies.
• Generous pension scheme with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Parking, cycle to work scheme, discounts with local bus/train companies, and the Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Opportunities for professional and personal development, with dedicated time for development opportunities.
• Wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
• Volunteer opportunities and exclusive benefits through the benefits portal.
• Salary sacrifice schemes and visa support where relevant.
• Total rewards and benefits information is available here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

We strive to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Durham's equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles are embedded in the Staff Code of Conduct and Strategy. Applications from groups under-represented in the workforce are welcomed.

We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable and, if successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply / Person Specification When applying, please provide evidence of skills and experience relevant to a similar role and the criteria listed below. Full details are at the end of this description.

Qualifications/Experience

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
• Industry recognised project management qualification.
• Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge to influence project delivery.
• Experience providing specialist advice to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior staff.
• Experience delivering complex IT projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience transitioning implementations into support and managing resulting impacts.
• Experience of project financial control.
• Significant experience delivering projects that realise their intended benefits.

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge

• Excellent spoken and written communication; ability to develop effective working relationships internally and externally.
• Strong digital competence across Microsoft Office and other apps.
• Knowledge of regulatory and organisational policy compliance.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, leading teams to deliver large projects on time and on budget.
• Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels.
• Good negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Track record of management and development experience or enhanced management qualifications.
• Experience of IT procurement.
• Experience delivering large-scale projects in the higher education sector.

How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, evidence must be provided for each essential criterion in the person specification. The panel may consider/desire additional criteria at their discretion.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. You will receive updates via automated emails from the e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder for updates.

What you need to submit

• A CV
• A supporting statement outlining how you meet all criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details For information about the role please contact Michael Marley (Deputy Head of Project Management):

Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery / Development

• Demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
• Develop understanding of university policy and external developments relevant to the role.
• Ensure policy and regulatory standards are met by projects you are responsible for.
• Use professional knowledge to resolve problems and provide subject matter expertise.
• Provide specialist advice on analysis and interpretation of data relevant to your projects.
• Lead development and implementation of assigned projects; seek continual improvement.
• Ensure data handling is appropriate and secure.
• Oversee operational activity across assigned projects.
• Provide leadership and mentorship on projects as required.
• Support colleagues with demonstrations and training on project management software.
• Devolve responsibilities to ensure continuity of service.
• Support welfare and employment of staff on projects with professional guidance.

Planning and Organisation

• Contribute to operational and strategic plans relevant to your area.
• Scope, plan and implement large-scale initiatives.
• Oversee projects to deliver objectives and resolve issues.
• Provide oversight for short-term teams and analyse project progress to senior managers.
• Allocate and monitor budgets, expenditure and resources.
• Identify priorities for business plans and provide professional guidance.
• Build networks with key stakeholders across internal and external partners.
• Influence University policy and standards by leading meetings and sub-committees.
• Represent projects and the University at events.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Useful links

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When appointing to this role, the University must meet immigration requirements, including visa thresholds where applicable.
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