Planning and Projects Manager

The University of Oxford’s Humanities Division is seeking an experienced Planning & Projects Manager to support the delivery of key initiatives across the Division.

This role sits within the Divisional Office and focuses on risk management, capital planning, and the coordination and delivery of a varied portfolio of projects. You will work closely with the Head of Strategic Planning & Projects, deputising where required, and contributing to the development and implementation of divisional priorities.

You will collaborate with academic departments, central University services, and senior colleagues to support business continuity planning, risk governance, and project delivery. The role includes responsibility for selected projects as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), as well as contributing to University committees and working groups.

Responsibilities

You will oversee divisional risk management and business continuity planning, ensuring effective processes, reporting, and continuous improvement. You will coordinate the delivery of capital and improvement projects, support departments with planning and applications, and ensure alignment with divisional priorities and governance requirements. The role includes preparing business cases and analysis to inform decisions, maintaining financial oversight, building effective working relationships across the Division and with central teams, managing team members, and deputising for the Head of Strategic Planning & Projects when required.

About You

You will have substantial experience in project management and strategic planning within a complex organisation (ideally higher education or a comparable environment). You will be able to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, and communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders.

You will also bring:

• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills, including financial understanding
• The ability to build effective working relationships and influence others
• A collaborative approach and sound judgement

This is an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a leading academic division and support the delivery of a wide range of projects across the University.

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave
• Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports club

Application process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via www.recruit.ox.ac.uk and Vacancy ID 186470. Applications should be submitted online and include a CV and a supporting statement. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. For further details, please refer to the How to apply section of the job description. Any further enquires may be directed to hr@humanities.ox.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 19th June 2025. Only applications received before this time can be considered. Shortlisting will take place the following weeks and interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing 6th July 2026. Please quote Vacancy ID 186470 on all correspondence. We welcome applications from a broad and diverse range of applicants: if you have any access needs or requirements to make your application journey more accessible, please let us know and we will do our best to facilitate.