Project Manager - LLE

Job Title: Project Manager – Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

Job Family: Project & Programme Management

Department: Education / Educational Enterprise

Grade: Grade 7

Responsible to: Director of Educational Enterprise

Contract: Fixed Term 12 months

Location: London / Hybrid

Job Purpose:

The University is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead institutional readiness for the implementation of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), a significant reform to higher education funding which will enable funding for Level 4–6 study by credit rather than solely by full qualification.

The Project Manager will lead the University's LLE implementation and readiness planning, defining the scope of change required across academic provision, regulations, policies, systems, processes and operating models. The role will establish appropriate governance, coordinate delivery activity and ensure the University is prepared for implementation.

Working across academic schools and professional services, the post holder will provide structure, oversight and momentum in a complex and evolving environment, where national guidance and institutional requirements may continue to develop. The role will have significant exposure to senior academic and professional services leaders and will support institutional decision-making around the implications and opportunities presented by the LLE.

Key Accountabilities:

Project Planning & Delivery:

• Lead the LLE project through the full project lifecycle, defining scope, deliverables, milestones, resources and timelines.

• Develop and maintain project plans, risk and issue registers, dependencies and reporting arrangements.

• Establish and facilitate project boards, working groups and stakeholder forums.

• Coordinate activity across academic schools and professional services functions.

• Manage risks, issues and interdependencies and ensure appropriate escalation and resolution.

• Ensure delivery against key milestones and institutional readiness requirements.

Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Build effective relationships with senior academic and professional services stakeholders.

Work closely with Registry, Admissions, Finance, IT, Marketing and Student Recruitment, Timetabling, Academic Services and Academic Quality and Governance.

• Prepare and present clear project reports, recommendations and updates to senior governance forums.

• Facilitate workshops and working groups and influence stakeholders to maintain progress and achieve agreed outcomes.

Strategic Change:

• Assess the implications of the LLE for academic provision, modular learning, regulations, policies, systems and operating models.

• Support the development of strategic options relating to modular learning, microcredentials, CPD and lifelong learning opportunities.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, educational innovation and wider educational enterprise.

• Ensure project activity remains aligned with institutional priorities and the student experience.

Governance & Decision Making:

• Provide effective governance, reporting and assurance across the project.

• Support senior decision-making through clear analysis, options and recommendations.

• Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure actions and decisions are followed through.

• Operate effectively in an environment where national policy and implementation requirements may evolve.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Significant project management experience within Higher Education.

• Experience leading complex, institution-wide or cross-functional change programmes.

• Strong project planning, governance, reporting, risk, issue and dependency management experience.

• Experience working across academic and professional services functions.

• Significant senior stakeholder management, engagement and influencing experience.

• Experience establishing and facilitating project boards, working groups and governance arrangements.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and facilitation skills.

• Ability to analyse complex information, solve problems and provide practical recommendations.

• Ability to work independently and proactively in a complex and evolving environment.

• Professional project management qualification such as PRINCE2, APM or equivalent experience.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

• Experience of curriculum change, academic transformation or educational innovation.

• Understanding of university regulations, quality processes and student lifecycle operations.

• Experience of modular provision, microcredentials, CPD or lifelong learning initiatives.

• Understanding of student record systems, funding or regulatory reporting requirements.

• Recognised change management qualification such as Prosci or APMG.

Special Requirements:

• Significant engagement with senior academic and professional services stakeholders.

• Regular on-campus presence in line with the University's hybrid working arrangements.

• Ability to work effectively where national guidance and requirements are evolving.