Head of Strategic Delivery

King’s College London is one of the top 10 UK universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2019) and the fourth oldest university in England, based in the heart of London. King’s has over 31,000 students (including more than 12,800 postgraduates) from some 150 countries, and over 8,500 employees.

The Head of Strategic Delivery will deliver effective and efficient management of the SVP H&LS & KHP Executive Director function, and will take on a range of responsibilities.

Major focus for the initial 6 months will be programme management of a KHP wide review, which aims at establishing new initiatives such as a Joint Research Management Office and a joint Centre for Translational Medicine. The Head of Strategic Delivery will hold responsibility for oversight and support of this programme, with help from external consultants as needed, and drawing in from the Partners’ relevant functions (e.g. Director of Strategy function within KCL, KCH, GSTT, SLAM). 

Other responsibilities include: 

• co-ordinating and implementing strategic objectives.  
• supporting and enabling operational delivery whilst ensuring integration of cross partnership initiatives 
• acting as an interface for key partnerships ensuring effective coordination of partnership working 
• development and implementation of new and ongoing initiatives and regular appraisal of risk assessment strategies 
• taking the lead on sensitive and important initiatives and issues for the SVP.  

In all aspects of the role, the Head of Strategic Delivery will act as the eyes and ears of the SVP and will speak with the authority of the SVP. It is critical therefore that the Head of Strategic Delivery is seen as a highly trusted and discreet interlocuter and advocate, by the SVP, by the wider leadership team at King’s and by other stakeholders.  

In a broad sense the Head of Strategic Delivery will act as: 

• an “air traffic controller” for the SVP and senior team, providing both a formal and ‘informal’ route into the leadership office, triaging activity, issues and concerns, handling directly but referring up where necessary, 
• an integrator, connecting work streams, activities and issues that would otherwise remain siloed, aligning practice and process across the university,  
• a facilitator and problem-solver, acting with the authority of the SVP to resolve sensitive issues arising, 
• an honest broker and truth teller to the SVP and others,   
• a manager, ensuring that the regular committee and meeting cycle of the SVP function runs smoothly and is focussed appropriately.  

This post will be offered on a secondment for 9 months with possibility to become a permanent position or return to the current post 

This is a full-time  post – 100% full time equivalent

This role will report into the SVP H&LS and the DVP Operations. The Head of Strategic Delivery will be responsible for managing the SVP function and will act on the SVP’s behalf on a range of issues and activities

1. Programme Managing the KHP-wide review of priorities, coordinating the work of external consultants when appropriate 

2. Coordinating work with and across the function on the SVP’s behalf as well as across the Principal’s Office more widely and with the university centre, providing an effective communication and delivery capacity, underpinned by a strong partnership ethos. 

3. Coordinating information flow and agenda development of relevant committees. 

4. Working with the Principal’s CoS to link the work of committees to co-ordinate and harmonise activity wherever possible 

5. Working with DVP Ops to develop and enhance links with Faculties, particularly those on the health-side, and PS Directorates 

6. Coordinating special projects on behalf of the SVP, frequently involving senior officers of the university  

7. Championing and actively driving a collaborative and inclusive working culture that values transparency and data-informed decision-making.  

8. Performing other activities necessary for effective delivery, as assigned. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria  

1. Experience of building and maintaining a network of senior stakeholders 

2. Experience in working with, coordinating leading, planning and influencing and multi-stakeholder projects.  

3. Effective at driving alignment amongst disparate viewpoints  

4. Strong experience and aptitude for resolving political issues, internally and externally  

5. Irrespective of background, candidates should have solid understanding of the ethos, drivers and culture of UK Higher Education. 

6. Outstanding influencing and communication skills – both written and verbal – including at senior level both internally and external stakeholders. 

7. Ability to engage and support senior members across the academic and professional services community. 

8. Robust and resilient, demonstrating energy, enthusiasm and self-motivation. 

9. Strong organisational skills and the ability to determine priorities in the face of changing and competing demands and tight deadlines. 

10. A positive and solution focused approach to conflict resolution, with a proven track record in managing complex partnerships and situations. 

11. Strong analytical and critical reasoning skills with the capability to effectively problem solve in complex and dynamic situations. 

12. Experience of working at the university/NHS interface.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of NHS stakeholder engagement