Head of Programme Management

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Head of Programme Management to lead the successful end to end delivery of a diverse portfolio of business and technology transformation projects. This role will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic programmes across multiple business areas, ensuring delivery is on time, within budget, and aligned with organisational priorities.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a track record of delivering complex, multi-disciplinary programmes in fast-paced or evolving environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of large-scale, cross functional programmes and projects, ensuring alignment with business strategy and objectives.
• Manage all aspects of project governance, planning, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.
• Coordinate cross-departmental activities and resources to deliver complex change initiatives effectively.
• Develop and maintain portfolio management processes to prioritise initiatives and manage dependencies transparently.
• Lead and develop a high-performing programme delivery function, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with business stakeholders, senior leadership, and third-party suppliers to ensure clear communication and accountability.
• Implement consistent project management frameworks, tools, and methodologies across all programmes.
• Support demand management and project prioritisation processes to align IT and business plans.

Measures of Success

• Successful delivery of key projects to agreed time, cost, and quality standards.
• Clear visibility and reporting across all programmes and portfolios.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and satisfaction.
• Effective resource and budget management across all delivery activities.
• Consistent application of programme management best practices.

What Good Looks Like

• Proactive, energetic, and delivery focused mindset.
• Confident communicator, able to translate complex delivery issues for business and technical audiences.
• Resilient and adaptable leader with strong influencing skills.
• Collaborative approach with a focus on results, ownership, and accountability.
• Attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading large scale transformation or technology-enabled programmes.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and matrix structures.
• Demonstrable success in programme and portfolio management, governance, and reporting.
• Experience working with both internal delivery teams and external suppliers.
• Commercially astute with confidence in managing budgets and contracts.
• Knowledge of recognised project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, MSP).

Package and working patterns

• Salary £75-£80,000
• Car Allowance - £6k
• Pension - 5%
• Holiday - 26 days holiday + bank hols
• Life Insurance - 4x salary life cover
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance – Family level cover
• Manchester location
• Office based - this is not a role that can be successfully delivered remotely