Head of Strategy Implementation - UOD1719

The Directorate is located in the Tower Building and comprises the Principal & Vice-Chancellor, University Secretary & Chief Operating Officer, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Provost, the Vice-Principals, the Director of the University Executive and Strategy Office and the Strategic Planning & Insight and Change Delivery teams. In addition, the Directorate senior team includes, the Head of Principal's Office, Senior Executive Support Officer, Executive Support Officer and the clerical and administrative team that provides support to the Principal & Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Provost, the Vice-Principals, the Assistant Vice-Principals, the University Secretary & Chief Operating Officer, Director of the University Executive and Strategy Office and the Strategic Planning & Insight and Strategic Delivery teams.

The Strategic Delivery team is responsible for driving implementation of the University's Strategy to 2027 and beyond. Their role is to implement and oversee processes for delivering the strategy, while in parallel leading high-priority strategic workstreams and empowering our leadership and our community to make the right decisions. We are looking for a highly experienced and self-motivated maternity cover for the Interim Head of Strategy Implementation to provide organisational portfolio leadership across the breadth of substantial strategic programmes. Supporting and influencing senior organisational leadership with their portfolios, the role holder will ensure that alignment on strategic vision, objectives and scope to deliver maximum benefits.

This role is part of the Strategic Delivery Leadership Team, will be responsible for leading a team of Strategy Implementation Managers. Working under the leadership of the Director of the University Executive & Strategy Office (UESO), they will play a key role in UESO Leadership Team - working closely with the Head of Strategic Business Improvement, the Director of Strategy, Planning & Insight and the Head of Principal's Office & Vice-Chancellor's Chief of Staff to deliver against strategic objectives.

Applicants must have experience of leading strategy implementation and large complex cross organisational initiatives, line managing staff and influencing senior leaders and project teams successfully.

Your priorities will include:

• Develop, lead, and drive an effective institutional approach to strategy implementation and decision making that is responsive to changing needs;
• Lead work to establish the three strategy delivery pillars: Ensuring Excellent Academic Performance; Growth & Globalisation and Vibrant Campus;
• Plan, prioritise and manage strategy implementation plans for these pillars;
• Work with Strategic Planning & Insight to ensure integration of priorities with School and Directorate annual plans through the annual planning process;
• Provide expert and trusted advice to influence and support senior leaders to make decisions about our portfolios to ensure we are working on the right things, prioritising within our strategic direction that is tuned into our business-as-usual (BAU) activity and capacity for delivery.

Who we're looking for:

• Relevant and demonstrable experience in Strategy Implementation. Thorough understanding of portfolio and programme management techniques and methods;
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop and communicate the

strategy objectives, inspire, and motivate staff to execute delivery of our goals;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain and "sell" the portfolio goals and objectives our community, and to persuade at a senior level;
• Excellent analytical, conceptual strategic planning and execution skills. Familiarity with financial analysis and

associated reporting tools

• A high degree of political sensitivity, astuteness, and the ability to use informal influence and power to overcome obstacles and achieve success across all institutional sub-strategies.

We are one of the UK's leading universities - internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our main city-centre campus is at the heart of Dundee - an up-and- coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology. We also have campuses at Ninewells Hospital and in Kirkcaldy which are easily accessible via local transport links.

For further information about this position please contact Christine Milburn, Director, University Executive & Strategy Office c.c.milburn@dundee.ac.uk. Please visit our website to find out more about the University's strategy.

The closing date for applications is Friday 20 September.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.