Programme Manager

Job Introduction

We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager to join our Transformation Management Office department on a permanent basis.

We are looking for an experienced and strategic leader to oversee the end-to-end delivery of one or more programmes aligned with the MPS business strategy. This role will provide direction and leadership to a team of Project Managers, ensuring successful delivery and full adoption of project outcomes to enable the realisation of business benefits.

As a senior leader within the Portfolio, Programmes and Project department, you will provide strategic oversight and management across programme and project teams. Your leadership will be instrumental in delivering programme outcomes that support the broader portfolio, align with corporate strategy, and drive improved business performance.

You will take ownership of assigned programmes, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. A key focus will be on demonstrating measurable return on investment and ensuring that outcomes are fully realised and embedded within the organisation.

This role requires strong leadership of programme teams, fostering a culture that reinforces our strategic priorities and supports a high-performing, collaborative working environment. You will champion continuous improvement and lean principles, embedding these practices to enhance operational efficiency and deliver outstanding outcomes for our members.

You will be responsible for managing programme budgets effectively, maintaining financial sustainability, and ensuring that delivery models are both efficient and cost-effective. All spend will be carefully monitored in line with organisational policy, with clear reporting of any variances to the D&C leadership team.

In addition, you will play a critical role in building capability within the project management function. This includes ensuring the training, competence, and performance of Project Managers, driving clarity in accountabilities, and maintaining adherence to governance, policies, and standards across all programmes.

Role Responsibility

In addition to the above you will also:

• You'll build and maintain strong working relationships across the business — including senior leaders, Council members, external partners, and the ePMO — to make sure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the agreed scope and quality standards.
• Working closely with Programme Sponsors, you'll help define success measures and ensure the business is fully on board with adopting outcomes. Your focus will be on making sure programme benefits are clearly defined, agreed upon, and trackable.
• You'll play a key role in championing change — supporting the use of tools and processes that promote best practice across the wider change team and help embed a consistent, high-quality approach.
• You'll also manage well-controlled environments and oversee the release management process to support smooth delivery across change programmes.
• A big part of your role will involve continually improving how we deliver — challenging existing processes, refining estimation methods, and raising the bar for quality across our programme delivery.

The Ideal Candidate

- Relevant experience and professional qualifications in the delivery of large complex transformation initiatives

- MSP and Agile qualifications

- Ability to build, lead and manage high performing teams

- Clear, effective and influential communication skills, both verbal and written

- High-energy work ethic, ability to establish vision, drives change and delivers results.

- Proven experience of managing business change or digital delivery programmes working    in collaboration with 3rd party suppliers and internal IT teams

Package Description

Alongside a competitive salary as stated above, you will also receive:

• Up to 20% discretionary annual bonus
• Annual performance-related pay review
• 11% pension contribution (3% from you, 8% from us – optional additional matched 3% contributions, e.g. 6% from you, 11% from us)
• 25 days annual leave plus flexible bank holidays (option to buy/sell additional 5 days)
• Private Medical Cover
• Career development and progression opportunities
• A truly flexible hybrid-working arrangement (take a look at below to find out more about how we work)
• A culture that promotes inclusivity, wellbeing and rewards hard work
• Car Salary Sacrifice scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• 6x salary death in service
• A personal GP service enabling you to get a video consultation with a NHS-registered private GP
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A range of shopping discounts from major high-street retailers