Project Manager (Operations)

Newcastle University is seeking an outstanding Project Manager to lead the operational management of two significant regional partnerships: the North East Uni Connect Programme (NEUCP) and Access Universities for North East England (Access UNEE). Together, these partnerships bring universities, colleges, schools and strategic stakeholders together to improve educational outcomes, reduce inequalities and support progression to higher education across the North East.

You will take lead responsibility for managing the Operations Team, to ensure the smooth and effective delivery of all centralised processes and procedures. This will include management of GDPR compliant data collection processes, data related monitoring and reporting requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence regional educational priorities, support innovation across a complex partnership landscape and play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of programmes that make a real difference to communities across the region.

What You'll Be Doing:

Take lead responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of core project functions including: implementation and management of planning and reporting cycles ensuring data collection and financial monitoring is completed accurately and in compliance with OfS grant funding conditions; participant data collection, management and reporting to meet Office for Students (OfS) reporting timelines and governance board requirements.

Line manage the central Operations Team, ensuring achievable priorities are set and encouraging a positive collaborative approach to work, fostering greater join up of roles and responsibilities to complement the work of Delivery staff based across the region.

Working collaboratively with other Managers across the partnership, develop, implement and communicate key project timelines, roles and responsibilities to team members and monitor effectiveness.

Lead a continuous improvement approach to managing central processes and procedures to ensure greater efficiency and agility within the Operations Team function, in turn developing common guidance and protocols to support programme delivery with full adherence to Newcastle University policies and processes.

Work with the Senior Project Manager to create and disseminate governance documents, such as Operating Plans, Monitoring Returns, Collaborative Agreements, Business Plans and Data Sharing Agreements, including the creation and review of compliance documentation, such as Data Impact Assessments, Supplier Information Security Assessments, Risk Assessments and Privacy Notices.

Oversee procurement of third-party goods/services at Newcastle University in-line with purchasing policies and grant funding conditions, ensuring value for money as directed by the Senior Project Manager.

Manage internal and external audit requests (both financial and non-financial) at key points throughout the lifetime of the Programmes.

Consult and negotiate with the other partnership Project Managers, to operationalise strategic decisions/direction aligned to nationally set programme guidance to ensure and manage continued compliance with grant funding conditions and GDPR requirements.

Provide senior level support to the North East Uni Connect partnership strategy group including managing the calendar of meetings, distribution of papers and minute taking.

Keep abreast of developments and policies externally including consultations and strategies promoted by the Government and professional bodies, such as OfS, DfE, UCAS and Partner institutions.

Support the Senior Project Manager and Deputy Director Fair Access & Widening Participation as required in order to ensure effective delivery, accountability and success of the programme in the region, and to support the management of risk for Newcastle University as lead institution.

The Person:

Strong working knowledge and understanding of policies and practices relating to widening participation and higher education progression.

Demonstrable experience of managing large and complex projects and overseeing their operational implementation and delivery.

Experience of developing and implementing robust data collection processes which are fully compliant with GDPR requirements.

Ability to work accurately with meticulous attention to detail.

Effective management of complex workloads including the ability to deal with challenging situations and competing deadlines.

Demonstrable experience of successful project management in an education setting including managing budgets.

Excellent writing skills, with an ability to write compelling, clear and accurate text in a range of styles appropriate to target audiences.

Strong working knowledge of GDPR requirements and the collection/management of large data sets.

Excellent IT and digital skills.

Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this post.

Willingness to work some evenings and weekends and to travel throughout the region and nationally, as required.

Full UK driving licence (vehicle will be provided as necessary).

Benefits:

Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives. The contract is Full Time, Fixed Term to 31st October 2027 in the initial instance. This role could be offered as a secondment.