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Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 31 July 2026

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

Job Description:

About the Role

The Open University is looking to appoint a Senior Delivery Lead for the People Systems Project (Phase 2), for a fixed term of 12 months, until end of July 2026.

This opportunity comes at a time when we there is a large focus on ensuring that our people systems and data solutions meet the needs of the university and deliver value and ongoing efficiencies. The project for 25-26 is split into two key workstreams with one focusing on system efficiency and innovation and the other on developing the university’ establishment data. Both workstreams rely on our People System – SuccessFactors.

You will bring excellent project or programme leadership experience, stakeholder and people management skills and a real ‘get stuff done’ attitude, at a senior level. With the ability to work closely with the project sponsors, business owners and delivery team to ensure first class execution and delivery of this phase of the project.

You will report to the overall lead for the People Systems Project, the Director of People Services Hub alongside ‘dotted line’ collaboration with the Director of Workforce Data. Together, this group will collaborate extensively across the two delivery streams, with the role assuming focus on ownership of 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

Lead the successful 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’ strategic objectives.

Develop and maintain the overarching delivery plan for both workstreams, including detailed timelines and plans, milestones, resource planning, risk mitigation strategies, and reporting mechanisms.

Lead proactive stakeholder engagement, at a senior level, across key functions – 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 the Director of Workforce Data, acting as the delivery lead for 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 PS 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:

• Proven experience, at a senior level, preferably in a HR environment, of delivering large scale change programmes, working with people systems and data, enabling cultural change across organisations.
• Experience of leading a cross-organisational, multidisciplinary team to achieve time dependent work objectives.
• Proven ability to self-direct and direct others to find solutions, take decisions and deliver in a challenging project environment.
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges of delivering large-scale system and data changes across an organisation.
• Excellent understanding of both the business and mission of The Open University.

Skills, capabilities and qualities

Essential:

• Strategic thinker and communicator - able to translate complex system and data transformation goals into clear, actionable plans that align with the project deliverables and the People Systems strategy.
• Inspiring and collaborative leadership - motivates and leads cross-functional delivery teams and third-party partners. Creates an inclusive, high performing culture where collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement are core.
• Stakeholder engagement and influence – builds strong relationships and trust at all levels, using a range of influencing strategies to drive engagement, consensus, and change across the University.
• Delivery-focused mindset - demonstrates a strong ‘get stuff done’ approach, taking ownership for successful execution, managing competing priorities, and resolving blockers with agility.
• Effective decision making - uses data and insight to support prioritisation, risk management, and value-driven decisions across both system and data-focused workstreams. Considers both strategic and operational needs.
• Driving and embracing change -promotes and drives agreed change initiatives; responds flexibly and positively to change; effectively manages resistance to change.
• Delivering results - remains calm, effective and positive even when under pressure; takes ownership for delivering outcomes.
• Digital and systems awareness – able to engage meaningfully in discussions around system design, configuration and data structures, ideally within the context of SAP SuccessFactors or comparable HRIS systems and processes.
• Commercial and contract awareness – able to manage relationships and performance of suppliers and delivery partners, ensuring accountability, value for money, and high-quality delivery.
• Strong governance and reporting capability – ensures that delivery progress, risks, benefits and outcomes are clearly reported to sponsors and governance groups, enabling fast and effective decision-making.
• Commitment to inclusivity and equity – role models inclusive behaviours and ensures that systems and data developments reflect the values of diversity, equality, and accessibility across the University.

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.
• Complete the additional application questions within our online application form.

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.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application,please contact:Careers@open.ac.uk .

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The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.

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