Project Manager – SRS Business Change

The Student Record System (SRS) Programme is a multi-year, institution-wide initiative to replace our core student data infrastructure with a modern, integrated suite of best-in-class systems. Spanning a new student record system, admissions platform, international compliance automation, and curriculum management system; all connected through a Central Data Hub.

This programme will fundamentally improve how students, staff, and partners experience Cardiff Met.

You will lead the business change aspects of one of Cardiff Met’s most significant programmes, working at the interface between the programme team and the people and services that will be transformed by it. Managing the full project lifecycle, from scoping and planning through to implementation and closure ,you will ensure that the changes delivered by the SRS Programme are embedded in business as usual and deliver measurable benefits for staff and students.

Working closely with senior colleagues across academic Schools, IT, Registry, Marketing, Comms and Student Recruitment, you will provide the project leadership, stakeholder management, and day-to-day coordination that keeps business change activity on track, on budget, and firmly focused on outcomes.

You’ll lead the way by:

• Managing the day-to-day delivery of business change projects across the SRS Programme, taking responsibility for all stages of the project lifecycle from definition, scoping and planning through to implementation and closure.
• Developing, implementing and maintaining comprehensive project plans using established project management methodologies, ensuring quality outcomes and business benefits are achieved on time and within budget.
• Acting as a key liaison between the programme and a wide range of university stakeholders, building and sustaining productive relationships with academic Schools, professional services, and senior colleagues.
• Managing project budgets within agreed tolerances, forecasting requirements, scheduling expenditure, analysing variances, and initiating corrective action where needed.
• Working collaboratively with programme colleagues, including other project managers and business analysts, to understand and manage interdependencies and embed best practice across the programme.
• Providing effective leadership to project team members, ensuring individuals are motivated and supported to develop their skills and experience throughout the programme.
• Managing and maintaining governance, stakeholder engagement, and communication arrangements for designated business change projects, with robust reporting of progress, benefits, risks, issues, dependencies, and budget.

What you’ll bring

You will be an experienced project manager with a strong track record of delivering complex, cross-organisational business change projects. You will have the stakeholder skills to navigate a broad and varied range of relationships and the judgement to manage competing priorities in a fast-moving programme environment.

You will bring a practical understanding of how modern information systems are interconnected and a genuine appreciation of the human dimension of change. Formal project management training such as PRINCE2 or Agile is essential, and experience of working in higher education or a similarly complex organisation will be an advantage.

You will also have: 

• Excellent knowledge of project management theory and practical execution, with demonstrable experience of applying recognised methodologies and tools.
• Substantial experience of managing multiple, complex, cross-organisational business change projects to successful conclusion.
• Practical experience of user requirements gathering, business process analysis and modelling, and options appraisal.
• Experience of benefits realisation.
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to write business cases, draft reports, and present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Demonstrable ability to lead, develop, manage, and motivate project teams and individuals.
• Experience of building productive internal and external relationships and networks.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you’ll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact Us

For more information about the role please contact Graham Bayliss on gbayliss@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Further details:    Job Description Swydd Ddisgrifiad

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.