Interim Director of Strategy Implementation, Large UK University

Anderson Quigley is pleased to be supporting a large UK University on the appointment of an Interim Director of Strategy. This is a newly created and highly influential post, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and wider executive team. With the university’s new strategy for the next decade now in place, the focus is now on execution. We are seeking a pragmatic, financially literate and outcome oriented interim leader to ensure its successful delivery across the university.

Overview:

This is not necessarily a strategy-crafting role, though there will be room to flex those skills. The successful interim leader will translate institutional priorities into a deliverable programme of work with clear accountability, timelines and KPIs. You will support the Vice-Chancellor in costing the plan, advising on feasibility and value, and ensuring implementation is realistic, resourced, and aligned with broader change activity. While you will work without direct reports, the role requires seniority, influence, and credibility at executive level.

We are seeking a highly experienced change and transformation professional with significant experience gained within the higher education sector, who can navigate ambiguity, advise with clarity, and get things done at an institutional level.

Key interim priorities will include implementing the university strategy through costed and deliverable initiatives; advising on benefits realisation and delivery metrics; working closely with HR, finance, and academic leadership to align structures, resources and priorities; and supporting governance reporting, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. The right candidate will complement the creativity of the executive team with logic, structure and focus, offering stability and a clear-eyed perspective during a critical phase of the university’s transformation.

While full-time availability is preferred, a 0.8 FTE arrangement may be considered. On-site presence of at least two days per week is expected, with some flexibility depending on circumstances. A six-figure negotiable salary is available for the right candidate. Support with travel and accommodation may be available, though this would typically be factored into the total package. Day-rates could be considered in exceptional circumstance.

Next Steps:

Shortlisting is taking place on an immediate and ongoing basis, with virtual interviews tentatively planned for 1 August. We will keep reviewing expressions of interest and engaging in conversations until the position is successfully filled. If you are seeing this, applications do remain open.

Therefore, if you are a senior change and transformation professional, with proven experience within the higher education sector, a track record of delivery at an institutional level, and are soon available for an interim contract, please contact Eva Tomka ASAP.