We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex, multi-strand programmes from initiation through to closure. The successful candidate will coordinate stakeholders, align resources with strategic objectives and ensure delivery of benefits, quality and value. This role demands strong leadership, commercial awareness and proven ability to manage risk and change across diverse teams.
Program Manager Job Profile
The Program Manager oversees a portfolio of related projects to achieve organisational strategy and benefits realisation. They provide governance, align project outcomes with business aims and maintain visibility for senior stakeholders.
Reporting to senior leadership, the post holder will work with programme sponsors, project managers and business units to manage scope, schedule and cost while maintaining quality and compliance.
Program Manager Job Description
A Program Manager plans, directs and coordinates programme activities to ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. They define programme governance, set milestones, manage interdependencies and resolve escalated issues that could jeopardise delivery. They also develop and maintain the programme plan, produce progress reports and handle stakeholder communications.
The role requires mentoring project managers, facilitating senior reviews and ensuring robust risk and change control. The Program Manager will work closely with procurement and finance to manage commercial arrangements and with HR to ensure appropriate resource allocation. They will champion continuous improvement, lessons learned and best practices across the programme.
Program Manager Duties and Responsibilities
- Define programme objectives, scope and success criteria in collaboration with sponsors and stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain an integrated programme plan covering milestones, dependencies and deliverables.
- Establish governance structures, including steering committees, reporting cadences and escalation routes.
- Monitor programme performance using metrics and key performance indicators and report to senior leadership.
- Manage risks and issues, implementing mitigation and contingency plans as required.
- Coordinate multiple project teams and ensure alignment of project plans with programme goals.
- Control programme budget, track expenditure and manage financial forecasting and reconciliations.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers and third parties in conjunction with procurement.
- Lead stakeholder engagement through effective communication, expectation management and conflict resolution.
- Facilitate change management activities to ensure user adoption and benefits realisation.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies, regulatory requirements and quality standards.
- Coach and develop project managers and programme staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Program Manager Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, IT or related discipline. A master’s degree is desirable.
- Proven experience in managing complex programmes in a corporate or public sector environment.
- Professional certification, such as MSP, PgMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner or PMP, preferred.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in budget management and contract negotiation.
- Demonstrable ability to manage risk, issues and change with sound decision making.
- Experience in leading cross-functional teams and delivering benefits realisation.
- Proficiency in programme and project management tools and the MS Office suite.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to present complex information to senior audiences.
- Flexible approach and readiness to travel between offices or sites as required.
