Transformation Director - Finance, HR and Payroll Modernisation

The University of Leicester is seeking an exceptional Transformation Director to lead a major institution-wide programme to modernise Finance, HR and Payroll services through business process redesign and the implementation of enabling digital platforms. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and the ERP Transformation Board, you will have end-to-end accountability for a high-profile transformation programme spanning Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, organisational change and digital enablement. You will provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of integrated projects, ensuring effective governance, financial management, risk oversight, benefits realisation and successful delivery of programme outcomes.

Working closely with Executive sponsors and senior leaders, you will shape the future operating environment of the University, driving organisational sustainability, efficiency and service excellence. As a visible and influential leader, you will engage stakeholders across the institution, lead complex change initiatives, oversee programme budgets and resources, and ensure that transformation activities are aligned with strategic priorities. You will join a leading UK university recognised for world-class teaching, research and innovation, where staff play a vital role in delivering positive impact through education and discovery.

You will be educated to degree level or possess equivalent professional experience and will bring substantial experience of leading large-scale organisational transformation programmes within complex environments. You will have a strong track record in programme and portfolio management, governance, risk management, benefits realisation and financial oversight, alongside experience of working with senior stakeholders on high-profile, cross-organisational initiatives. Your ability to produce high-quality reports, briefings and recommendations for senior governance bodies will be matched by your capacity to lead and inspire teams through significant change.

You will combine strategic thinking with excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills, enabling you to navigate complexity and build confidence across diverse stakeholder groups. You will be comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, advising senior leaders on organisational change, managing significant budgets and external suppliers, and translating strategic ambitions into measurable outcomes. Experience within higher education or the public sector, together with relevant professional qualifications in programme management, change management or transformation leadership, would be advantageous.