Head of Strategic Project Management

Build a project management function from the ground up — and help deliver our 2026–2032 strategy

This is a rare opportunity to shape something from scratch: a brand-new role at Kemnal, created to lead the design and mobilisation of project and change management across our Trust of 45+ academies. You'll be the person who turns our 2026–2032 strategic priorities into a coherent, well-governed portfolio of projects — building the methodology, governance and reporting standards as you go, and growing the team around you as the strategy matures.

If you love the challenge of building something new, thrive on ambiguity, and want your work to be seen and valued right up to Board level, this could be the role for you.

What you'll be doing

• Working with the Director of Strategy & Performance and the Executive Committees to translate our 2026–2032 strategic priorities into a clear, coherent portfolio of trust-wide projects and change initiatives.
• Establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) approach that fits TKAT's scale — governance structures, reporting templates and escalation routes included.
• Advising the executive team and the Board on programme delivery risk, aligned with our existing risk and assurance frameworks.
• Setting up and coordinating a project "Roadmap" covering both strategic and business-as-usual projects, keeping demand realistic.
• Overseeing a portfolio of cross-trust and BAU projects, keeping delivery on track for time, budget and quality.
• Setting consistent project management standards, tools and templates — PIDs, RAID logs, benefits tracking — for use across the Trust.
• Keeping on top of risk and issue management across all live projects, escalating early and clearly.
• Line-managing our Business Change Leader (0.6 FTE), and planning for further Project Manager recruitment as the PMO grows in later strategy years.
• Building genuine relationships with Headteachers, central team heads of department and external partners, so change lands smoothly and with the right consultation.
• Producing clear, accurate board-level reporting on programme status, risk and benefits realisation, and supporting papers for the executive team, Board and Trustee committees.
• Managing project budgets and monitoring resource allocation, balancing priorities where capacity is tight.
• You'll report to our Director of Strategy & Performance, with plenty of scope to make this role your own.

What we're looking for

You'll need:

• A recognised project/programme management qualification (PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ, MSP, or similar) — or a genuine willingness to work towards one.
• Substantial experience leading complex projects or programmes through to successful completion, including budget and risk management.
• Experience line-managing staff.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders — board or executive level — to shape and steer project direction.
• A track record of establishing or improving project management processes, tools or governance.
• Excellent knowledge of project and programme management methodologies and tools, and strong analytical and risk-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with a knack for translating complex programme information for governance and board audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise across a varied portfolio.
• A collaborative leadership style — you can influence without needing direct authority.
• Resilience and adaptability; you're genuinely comfortable managing ambiguity while building something new.
• A commitment to the Trust's values and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

It would be great (but isn't essential) if you also had:

• Experience within a multi-academy trust, school or other public sector setting.
• Experience setting up a PMO or comparable function from scratch.
• Experience leading organisational change or restructuring programmes.
• An understanding of MAT governance structures (e.g. Board Assurance Framework, Three Lines of Defence).
• Familiarity with education-sector systems (e.g. Arbor MIS) and their role in trust-wide projects.

Why Kemnal?

You'll be joining at an exciting moment — right at the start of a new strategic period, with the mandate to build a function that will shape how change happens across our Trust for years to come. You'll have real autonomy, a close working relationship with our Director of Strategy & Performance, and the satisfaction of seeing your work influence decisions at the very top of the organisation.

The practical bits

• Contract: Full-time (1.0 FTE), permanent
• Salary: To be confirmed
• Location: Central Team, with regular travel across our 45+ academies
• Reports to: Director of Strategy & Performance
• Responsible for: Business Change Leader (0.6 FTE) — post not yet filled
• Safeguarding: This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment vetting in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment

The Kemnal Academies Trust is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South & East of England with 45 Primary and Secondary Academies in the TKAT Family. Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership and learning for all.

The TKAT Vision

'Achieving More Together'

A community of learners who share the mindset of success and are driven by the prospect of opportunity for all. An environment of aspiration, respect and openness, enabling staff and students to thrive.

The TKAT Purpose

Within the #oneTKATfamily, the shared and common purpose is to work together as a community of schools to ensure that every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education.

TKAT is committed to providing outstanding teaching and learning to enable all pupils to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

The TKAT Values

#oneTKATfamily:

• Shared Voice
• Shared Belief
• Shared Success

Hours

37.5 hours per week

Competitive

Job attachments

Strategic_Project_Manager_Job_Descriptions.docx.pdf

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