About the Role

The Open University is seeking a dynamic and experienced Programme Delivery Lead to drive the successful implementation of Phase 2 of the People Systems Project, for a fixed term until end of July 2026.  

This role sits at the heart of a critical transformation programme, with approved investment and clearly defined deliverables across two core workstreams: 

• Systems, Automation & Innovation – lead projects to improve efficiency and drive innovation across People Services, including: 

Introduction of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to streamline transactional processes. 

Upgrade of the People Services ticketing system to improve usability and reporting to resolve queries faster and improve the employee experience.  

Implementation of AI-driven capabilities within SAP SuccessFactors to provide personalised support for managers and employees. 

Implementation of knowledgebase to strengthen self-service. 

Intranet content review to ensure information is accurate and easy to navigate. 

• Position Data & Establishment Control – developing our approach to organisational data, including implementing robust position management structures.

We are looking for a hands-on programme leader with strong delivery credentials, high-level stakeholder engagement experience, and a proactive mindset. You’ll work as a core member of the programme leadership team – collaborating with sponsors, digital and data leads, and operational owners to ensure on-time delivery, strong engagement, and clear return on investment. 

You will be expected to operate at both programme and project management levels – providing the helicopter view across the Systems, Automation & Innovation and Position Data & Establishment Control workstreams, coordinating dependencies, and maintaining an integrated, holistic plan, while also being directly accountable for the detailed project management of each workstream to drive delivery and outcomes.

Who you will work with

You will report to the Director of People Services Hub, the project sponsor, and collaborate closely with the Director of Workforce Data, Head of People Systems, and Digital Services ERP team. You will also engage with wider leadership teams across the university, fostering alignment and shared ownership. 

Together, this group will collaborate extensively across the two delivery workstreams, with the role assuming focus on accountability for the workstream delivery, driving stakeholder engagement across the OU, and supporting enabling teams involved in the delivery to ensure that the project delivers within time, adds value and realises the proposed return on investment to the University.  

Key Responsibilities

End to end programme delivery of the People Systems Project (Phase 2), ensuring both workstreams – Systems, Automation & Innovation and Position Data & Establishment Control – are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and aligned with both People services and the broader university’s strategic objectives.  

Delivery planning and programme management of both workstreams, including detailed timelines and plans, milestones, resource planning, risk mitigation strategies, and reporting mechanisms. 

Stakeholder engagement and communications – including People Services, Digital Services, Finance, Faculties and Business Units. Working with senior leaders, ensuring that project objectives are co-developed, widely understood, and firmly grounded in both the delivery expectations and key institutional priorities. 

Collaborate closely with the Director of People Services Hub and core members of the Programme Leadership team, assuming responsibility for the programme management of the Phase 2 project. Ensuring consistent leadership, accountability, decision-making and visibility across teams, leaders and the university.  

Ensure effective coordination with 3rd party suppliers and technical partners managing performance, expectations, and contractual deliverables to enable a smooth and value-driven delivery. 

Establish clear governance and delivery structures to support decision-making, escalation management, progress and budget tracking, and stakeholder communications. 

Champion and lead cultural and behavioural change as new ways of working, automation, and data disciplines are embedded, ensuring buy-in, capability building and sustained adoption across the People Services function and wider OU community. 

Ensure data governance, systems and establishment control efforts are delivered in alignment with all associated governance and compliance requirements. 

Maintain oversight of budget and resources, in partnership with Director of People Services Hub and Finance colleagues, ensuring that value for money and return on investment are key drivers of delivery decisions. 

Report progress, risks and opportunities to senior leadership and project sponsors through appropriate forums, including the People Systems Project Steering Group and university governance structures, as required. 

Skills and Experience

Knowledge, work and other relevant experience  

Essential:

• Significant experience in leading complex programmes across HR, digital systems, or transformation settings – ideally with exposure to SAP SuccessFactors or equivalent enterprise platforms. 
• Demonstrable success in leading diverse teams, creating an inclusive environment where individuals from a variety of backgrounds feel valued, empowered, and able to contribute fully. 
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale change and innovation across diverse stakeholder landscapes. 
• Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, align and engage at senior levels. 
• Experience in establishing and operating robust programme governance and delivery mechanisms. 
• Strong understanding of data governance, organisational design principles, and change management. 
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and willingness to operate at pace and at multiple levels – from strategic steering to hands-on problem solving. 
• Experience working within a large, complex environment. 
• Excellent understanding of both the business and mission and values of The Open University.

Skills, capabilities and qualities  

Essential:  

• Programme Leadership & Delivery Expertise: Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional programmes with complex interdependencies – delivering outcomes on time, on budget, and in line with strategic priorities. 
• Inclusive People Leadership: Skilled at building, leading and motivating diverse, multi-disciplinary teams. Creates a collaborative, inclusive environment that fosters innovation, wellbeing, and high performance. 
• Stakeholder Influence & Relationship Building: Confident and credible when engaging with senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries. Able to align priorities, manage expectations, and navigate organisational complexity. 
• Strategic Thinking with Hands-On Delivery: Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels – setting direction while also rolling up sleeves to unblock delivery challenges and drive progress. 
• Change Leadership & Cultural Transformation: Experienced in leading change across people, processes, and systems – ensuring engagement, adoption, and sustained behavioural shift across diverse audiences. 
• Data, Systems & Governance Awareness: Strong understanding of digital HR systems (ideally SAP SuccessFactors), data governance, and organisational structures. Able to align technology and data with compliance, control, and performance. 

Essential Requirements

Flexible working:  We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you. 

Work location:  It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required as deemed relevant for project and deliverables.   

How to apply:  To apply for this role please submit the following;

• CV including how you meet the skills and experience required

A 15 minute screening call will be required for all candidates that meet the initial criteria.  Any candidates selected for a screening call will be contacted before the closing date.

Early closing date:  We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.