Academic Transformation Director

Summary:

Academic Transformation Director – Lead transformation initiatives at a world-leading academic publisher.

About the School:

As a not-for-profit organisation with a rich heritage, the school is committed to excellence in education and assessment. It operates globally, offering qualifications and curriculums to millions of learners.

The Opportunity:

The Academic Transformation Director will lead the creation of a new Transformation Management Office, driving strategic change and ensuring alignment with long-term goals. This is a high-impact role for a visionary leader who can shape the future of academic publishing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and establish a new Transformation Management Office to drive organisational change and innovation.
• Develop and deliver a compelling transformation strategy aligned with the school’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and Board-level stakeholders to ensure alignment and influence decision-making.
• Oversee the delivery of complex, multi-year transformation portfolios across academic publishing.
• Implement frameworks and coaching to improve organisational delivery maturity and ensure scalable solutions.
• Drive change management initiatives to embed new ways of working and sustain transformation outcomes.
• Provide clear visibility on performance, risk, and return on investment at a senior level.
• Champion consistent design and delivery standards across the academic community.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven experience setting up and running a Transformation Management Office.
• Demonstrated leadership of high-impact programmes and large-scale transformation portfolios.
• Strong expertise in transformation disciplines, including programme management and operating models.
• Experience working with Board-level stakeholders and influencing strategic decisions.
• Deep knowledge of technology, data, operations, commercial strategy, and customer experience.
• Strong financial literacy with experience in benefits realisation and cost management.
• Awareness of GenAI and automation opportunities and risks.

Preferred

• Strong understanding of the academic publishing landscape and digital transformation trends.
• Agile or formal PM qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2).
• Lean/Six Sigma or equivalent continuous improvement qualification.
• Change management certification.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements.