Head of Programme Delivery

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Client Services Partner | Recruitment and Hiring for Pertemps Contracts

Head of Programme Delivery – People Systems Projects

The Open University | Fixed-term contract until July 2026 | Hybrid working

Pertemps are working in partnership with The Open University who are recruiting for an experienced Programme Delivery Lead to manage their People Systems Project. This is a key role, responsible for delivering improvements in their HR systems, automation, and workforce data.

About the Role:

You will oversee the full delivery of the People Systems Project, leading two main areas of work:

• Systems, Automation & Innovation – introducing automation to streamline HR processes, improving our ticketing system, using AI in SAP SuccessFactors, creating a knowledge base for self-service, and reviewing intranet content.
• Position Data & Establishment Control – developing better ways to manage organisational data, including introducing clear position management structures.
• You will report to the Director of People Services Hub and work with senior leaders, digital and HR teams, and external partners to make sure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and deliver real value.

Key Responsibilities for the Head of Programme Delivery:

• Lead programme planning, governance, and delivery across both workstreams - Systems, Automation & Innovation, and Position Data & Establishment Control.
• Manage risks, resources, budgets, and progress tracking.
• Work with stakeholders across HR, Digital Services, Finance, and other University teams.
• Oversee external suppliers and ensure value for money; managing performance, expectations, and contractual deliverables to ensure smooth and value-driven delivery.
• Support cultural change and adoption of new systems, new ways of working, automation and data disciplines to be embedded, ensuring buy in, capability building and sustained adoption across the People Services and wider OU community.
• Report progress and risks through the University’s governance structures, appropriate forums and the People Systems Project steering group as required.
• Maintain oversight of budget and resources, ensuring value for money and return on investment are key drivers for delivery decisions.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Significant experience leading complex programmes across HR, digital systems, or transformation settings, ideally with exposure to SAP SuccessFactors or similar enterprise platforms.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional programmes with complex interdependencies, delivering on time, on budget, and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Demonstrated success in building, leading, and motivating diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and able to contribute fully.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, align, and engage senior leaders across organisational boundaries.
• Experience in establishing and managing effective programme governance and delivery frameworks.
• Strong understanding of data governance, organisational design, change management, and cultural transformation.
• Confident in balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to unblock challenges and drive progress.
• Track record of delivering large-scale change and innovation across complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Excellent understanding of digital HR systems, data, and organisational structures, aligning technology with compliance, control, and performance.
• Experience working within a large, complex organisation, ideally with an understanding of the mission and values of The Open University.

Why Join Us?

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.

Contract: Fixed-term until July 2026

Location: Hybrid, The Open University

Interested? Please apply directly via LinkedIn or get in touch for more details.

Seniority level

• Seniority level
• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type
• Contract

Job function

• Job function
• Human Resources and Project Management
• Industries
• Higher Education

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