Project Manager (1662)
Project Manager
Full Time – Permanent – High Wycombe Campus
Salary - £37,999 - £42,632
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead university-wide projects from planning to implementation. In this role, you will ensure that projects meet defined objectives, stay on schedule, and align with university goals. Key responsibilities include coordinating resources, managing documentation, tracking progress, and proactively addressing any issues.
Working closely with the Head of Transformation, you’ll engage stakeholders, oversee budgets, and support continuous improvement initiatives. If you excel at managing projects and fostering collaboration, we invite you to apply and contribute to our university’s success.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
- training & development support opportunities
- contributory pension scheme
- discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Sandy Gill (sandy.gill@bucks.ac.uk)
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Closing Date: 13 January 2025
Interview Date: 23 January 2025
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Project Manager
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Faculty/Directorate: Academic Registry
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Grade: G |
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Location: High Wycombe
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Hours: 37 per week |
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Responsible to: Head of Transformation
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Job Purpose:
To manage the planning and delivery of projects from initial definition through to implementation and transition to ongoing operations. The Project Manager will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that projects are executed in line with defined business needs, project objectives, and the University’s strategic aims. This role will also provide business analysis support, ensuring that solutions are designed, developed, and integrated effectively, contributing to continuous improvement and institutional success.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
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Take ownership of the execution of university wide projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
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Collaborate with Head of Transformation and other teams, to gather project requirements and objectives, ensuring that expectations are clear and agreed upon.
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Manage the coordination of project resources, to ensure tasks are allocated effectively and completed on schedule.
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Monitor project progress against established timelines and deliverables, providing regular updates to stakeholders and management on status, risks, and issues.
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Identify potential project risks and issues early, working with the team to resolve them promptly and reporting high risks to the Head of Transformation.
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Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, status reports, and other relevant materials to ensure transparency and alignment.
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Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project team members, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
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Work with Head of Transformation to ensure that project deliverables meet established quality standards and comply with university policies and procedures.
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Contribute to the evaluation of existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and the implementation of best practices.
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Organise project meetings, preparing agendas, documenting discussions, and ensuring action items are followed up on.
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Lead the transition of project deliverables into operational use, ensuring that relevant stakeholders are trained and supported during the handover process.
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Provide guidance and support to junior project team members, sharing knowledge and fostering their professional development.
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Assist in managing project budgets, tracking expenditures, and ensuring that financial resources are utilised efficiently.
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Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices
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Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
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A good standard of education at level 3 including Maths & English GCSE grade C |
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Project Management qualification or relevant experience (e.g. PRINCE2) |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Experience of successfully managing projects through the full project life cycle, managing challenges involved in complex projects and resolving complex issues. |
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Ability to analyse risks and the future impact any decision may have. |
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Ability to recognise problems or situations that are new or without clear precedent. Evaluates alternatives and finds solutions using a logical approach. |
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Experience working on projects that are cross functional highly desirable |
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Skills |
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Excellent verbal communication, report writing and interpersonal skills. |
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Highly developed analytical skills and detailed oriented |
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Can work under pressure and use their own initiative. |
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Encourages and demonstrates open communication within the project team. Ability to address delicate situations and handle conflict in such a way as to maximise opportunity and minimise exposure to risk. |
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Can deliver engaging, informative, well organised presentations that are appropriate for the audience. |
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Conveys goals and objectives clearly and in a compelling manner; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; interprets verbal and non-verbal messages that others communicate; produces clear status reports; communicates tactfully and candidly. |
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Can work as part of and lead a virtual work as part of a team. |
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Special Requirements |
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Ability to enact change with those resistant |
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Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows
Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Working together
Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
