[Hiring] Implementation Manager @Oxford University Press

Role Description

The Implementation Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the successful delivery of Flow Efficiency initiatives as part of Academic Divisional transformation. The Flow Efficiency programme lies at the heart of the Digital Sales and Product Enablement (DSPE) transformation, improving the quality, consistency, and flow of data, systems, and processes to get content to market more quickly and efficiently.

Within the parameters of the Programme roadmap, and the framework for strategic prioritization and cross‑initiative decision‑making, the Implementation Manager will:

• Provide expert input into prioritization discussions, delivery approaches, and risk mitigation recommendations.
• Coordinate implementation activity across multiple concurrent initiatives within the Flow Efficiency roadmap.
• Line‑manage the seconded Delivery and Implementation Leads, providing direction, coaching, and quality assurance across their areas of work.
• Lead the delivery of their own designated initiatives.
• Provide dotted‑line mentoring and support to Implementation/Transformation/CI Leads across the Academic Division.
• Contribute to the establishment of the Implementation capability within the future Academic business enablement/process optimization structure.

This role would suit an experienced operational professional, with experience in a similar or related role.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Leadership of Flow Efficiency Implementation
  • Own and direct implementation activity across multiple initiatives within the Flow Efficiency roadmap.
  • Ensure alignment of delivery plans across different workstreams.
  • Shape and recommend delivery approaches, surfacing dependencies, risks, and options for resolution.
  • Provide clear direction to the Delivery and Implementation Leads, ensuring alignment with program‑level goals.
• Line Management and People Leadership
  • Onboard and Line manage the two seconded Delivery and Implementation Leads, providing coaching, direction, and structured feedback.
  • Review and assure initiative level backlogs, plans, and deliverables.
  • Build a strong delivery culture based on transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Delivery of Own Initiatives
  • Lead the delivery and implementation of assigned high value initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain the initiative backlog.
  • Ensure requirements are clear, prioritized, and aligned to business value.
  • Define and agree acceptance criteria with stakeholders.
• Business Enablement/Process Optimization design and set up
  • Work with the Program Director on the design and setup of Implementation capability in the future Divisional business enablement/ process optimization structure.
  • Shape operating models, engagement approaches, documentation standards, and delivery rhythms.
• Delivery Management, Risk and Dependency Control
  • Lead refinement and clarification sessions on complex requirements.
  • Proactively identify risks, issues, and dependencies across initiatives.
  • Report unmitigated risks upwards and take ownership of mitigated risks/issues.
  • Support teams to unblock progress and adapt plans as needed.
• UAT, Roll out and Business Readiness
  • Plan and manage User Acceptance Testing across relevant initiatives.
  • Ensure impacted teams are informed, trained, and prepared for transition.
  • Ensure solutions are well documented, understood, and supported operationally.
• Reporting and Governance
  • Provide clear, quantitative progress reporting to the Program Director.
  • Maintain initiative trackers, delivering accurate and timely updates.
  • Highlight deviations early with recommended mitigations.

Qualifications

• Able to influence across multiple levels and functions without direct authority.
• Comfortable leading through ambiguity and shaping clarity for others.
• Exceptionally organized, able to juggle multiple initiatives and teams.
• Strong communicator with the ability to summarize complex topics succinctly.
• Solution‑oriented, resilient, and pragmatic; comfortable with empowered delivery models.
• Deep working knowledge of implementation management, business change, and process/data improvement.
• Strong facilitation, backlog management, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent understanding of data governance and metadata management principles.
• Ability to navigate OUP’s organizational structure, approval pathways, governance forums, and cross‑Divisional stakeholder landscape.
• Understanding of OUP’s Academic workflows, systems, and data flows (or demonstrably fast learner in a complex publishing context).
• Able to apply analytical and problem‑solving skills to complex issues.
• Skilled in dependency mapping, risk assessment, and stakeholder alignment.
• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent experience in implementation management, transformation, or business change.
• Proven experience in leading large, complex initiatives in a matrixed environment.
• Experience in line management or mentoring, with a track record of developing others.
• Experience working within a similarly complex academic publishing, data‑rich, or matrixed environment.
• Evidence of successful process, data, or systems change delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups.

Benefits

• 15 days’ vacation time that rises with service.
• 10 sick days, plus floating holidays, personal days, and company holidays.
• 35-hour working week with flexibility in working hours and remote working options.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with multiple levels of coverage.
• Employee Assistance Programs for all full-time employees.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Non-elective contribution of 7% of salary to retirement plan and matching contribution of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions.