Change Manager

The Strategic Change team is based within the Executive Support division that provides support for policy, planning, change management, and project delivery at a University level.The Strategic Change team is responsible for supporting a portfolio of complex change initiatives of strategic significance to the University and has two particular remits:

To provide change leadership capacity that can operate flexibly across the institution

To create process review and improvement capability that spreads across the institution

The post holder will report to the Head of Strategic Change. The team has a diverse portfolio of projects and particularly focuses on initiatives which have an impact on a large service area (or multiple service areas / Schools), and which have a significant component of process and/or cultural change.

The University of Birmingham is one of the most ambitious institutions in the UK, and this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to its success through the delivery of effective and meaningful change.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual, with outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to combine strategic thinking with successful implementation.You will thrive on collaboration and challenge and be an expert at working in a complex, multi-faceted organisation.

The post holder will be expected to take responsibility for the successful delivery of change within an academic school in support of excellence in research and teaching.

Person Specification

The post holder will have the following combined experience and personal qualities:

Qualifications

• A good first degree (First or Upper Second) or equivalent.
• A qualification in a relevant field (change management, process improvement, project management) is desirable.

Skills and Experience

• Relevant professional experience in a complex organisation.
• Experience of developing effective networks and strong relationships with academics, Professional Services and other partners.
• Strong facilitation skills, including workshops, and face-to-face.
• Outstanding writing skills, with the ability to write/prepare high quality papers, presentations, reports and briefings to Project Board and University Committee level. This includes a clear style of communication and the ability to write for different audiences.
• Highly developed research skills and experience of producing and analysing complex source material, information and data and turning these into purposeful reports that influence policy and assist decision making.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a range of projects.
• Creativity in developing change programmes and responding to challenges
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills, with an ability to use a range of communication skills and strategies to gain commitment to action or change.
• Excellent IT, organisational and administrative skills.
• An ability to work simultaneously and effectively to progress several different tasks.

Personal Characteristics and knowledge

• Strong intellectual ability and the ability to apply this to management tasks.
• Knowledge of recognised change management or process improvement methodologies
• A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility and a self-motivating approach. The ability to complete tasks based on only broad direction and with minimum supervision.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to meet challenging demands, working to different people, deadlines and within budget.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy, and an ability to work at all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and attitude and a willingness to respond to changing requirements of the team.
• Demonstrates collaborative working, builds open, trusting and effective partnerships.
• A firm but diplomatic attitude with the ability to prioritise, negotiate and use one's own judgement.