Head of Practice Management

Are you a strategic leader passionate about people, talent, and helping to transform workplace culture? Join our Programmes and Projects Delivery Group at the University of Oxford and help shape the future of digital change and service delivery at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

Location: IT Services, Dartington House. Oxford

Salary: £64,228 - £74191 per annum

Contract: Full time, 2-year Fixed Term Contract

Please note-This is an internal opportunity, external applicants need not apply.

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges – from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions – and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The Programmes and Projects Delivery Group (PPDG) plays a central role in shaping, planning, and delivering digital change across the University. With around 125 specialist staff, we support investment in technology across many areas of Oxford’s academic and administrative operations. We are transitioning our service from traditional project delivery models to agile, product-based approaches that will help define the University’s future digital services.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As Head of Practice Management, you will play a pivotal role in leading the evolution of the service PPDG offers in line with the University’s digital ambitions. Reporting to the group head, you’ll work alongside senior stakeholders and heads of our four practice areas (Project Management, Business Change, Business Analysis, and Testing/Quality Assurance) to take forward an operating model that enables continuous improvement and cross-functional working.

You will lead delivery of a change programme, which includes re-aligning our people into portfolio and service stream based teams, reshaping our communities of practice, developing multi-skilled talent, and continuing to reduce our reliance on contractors. You will also oversee graduate and apprenticeship recruitment programmes, explore new outreach initiatives, and champion secondments and professional development as part of our broader talent strategy.

As a member of the group’s senior leadership team, you will directly line-manage the practice heads and key support roles, provide hands-on leadership to their teams in a matrix model, and help embed an inclusive, forward-looking, and agile culture across PPDG.

About You

You will be a highly collaborative leader who thrives in complex, people-focused environments. To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Outstanding people and stakeholder engagement skills, with a consultative and inclusive approach.
• Proven experience of leading organisational change involving people, structures, and ways of working.
• Substantial experience in managing teams of technology and change professionals, including across matrix environments.
• A strategic mindset, with the ability to build compelling cases for change and see them through to implementation.
• Experience working in a product-based digital delivery environment, with knowledge of methodologies like Agile, PRINCE2, and ITIL.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 28 April.

Interviews will take place week commencing 12 May and will be held in person in central Oxford.