Project / program manager

P. S. Please note that this position is specifically not a Technical Project Manager (IT) or a Construction Project Manager (Civil) role. Candidates seeking opportunities in IT/Technical Project Management or Civil/Construction Project Management are requested not to apply.

Role Purpose

The Project Manager will support strategic, operational, and institutional initiatives across departments/functions within the university. The role involves driving cross-functional execution, managing projects and timelines, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring operational excellence aligned with institutional objectives

The position requires a highly organised and execution-orientated professional with strong project management, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills who can independently manage multiple initiatives in a dynamic academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Project Management

Drive and monitor strategic and operational projects across departments/functions. Develop project plans, timelines, trackers, dashboards, and execution frameworks. Ensure timely execution and closure of initiatives through regular follow-ups. Identify risks, dependencies, execution gaps, and escalation points. Support implementation of institutional initiatives, process improvements, and transformation projects.

2. Cross-Functional Coordination

Coordinate with academic and administrative departments, leadership teams, and external stakeholders as required. Ensure alignment of stakeholders with institutional priorities, timelines, and deliverables. Facilitate meetings, track action items, and ensure closure of pending tasks. Enable smooth communication and collaboration across teams.

3. Data, Reporting & Analytics

Develop MIS reports, dashboards, presentations, and executive summaries. Analyse project progress, operational metrics, and performance indicators. Present insights, observations, and recommendations to leadership. Maintain project documentation and reporting records.

4. Leadership & Operational Support

Support leadership teams in preparing presentations, strategic documents, review notes, and institutional reports. Conduct benchmarking, market research, and analysis of best practices where required. Assist in governance reviews, strategic planning exercises, and institutional initiatives. Support planning and execution of key meetings, reviews, and collaborative initiatives.

5. Process Improvement & Innovation

Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend scalable process improvements. Support digitisation, automation, and AI-enabled workflow initiatives. Contribute towards enhancing operational effectiveness and project governance practices. Promote structured project management methodologies and execution discipline.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

Master's degree in Management, Business Administration, Education, Public Policy, Engineering, or related disciplines preferred.

Experience

6+ years of experience in: Project Management Strategy & Operations Program Management Consulting Institutional Administration Cross-functional coordination roles Experience in higher education, consulting, Ed Tech, corporate strategy, operations, or program management environments will be preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Strong project management and execution capability Excellent communication and presentation skills Strong stakeholder management and coordination abilities Analytical and data-driven mindset Ability to work in fast-paced and evolving environments High ownership and attention to detail Strong proficiency in: MS Power Point and Excel AI productivity tools Project management and tracking tools Reporting dashboards and data analysis Ability to handle confidential and strategic matters with discretion

Key Attributes

Solution-oriented and proactive Strong organisational and planning capability Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities Collaborative and relationship-driven Professional, adaptable, and execution-focused Strong follow-through and accountability