Programme Manager

Overview

As Programme Manager for the Service Systems workstream, you will lead cross-team planning and delivery of systems transition activity within the Local Government Reorganisation programme. You’ll coordinate IT, data teams, suppliers and service leads to ensure critical systems are assessed, prioritised and transitioned for Vesting Day. You’ll provide structure, leadership and governance to resolve issues, maintain momentum and give clear progress updates. This role sits at the heart of a high-profile, multi-council transformation with meaningful impact for residents.

Pay / Benefits

• 26 days holiday (28/31 with service)
• Local government pension
• Earned Carer’s leave up to 5 days
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Learning and development hub

Responsibilities

• Develop transition plans, roadmaps, delivery schedules and milestone tracking for assigned service areas
• Establish prioritised system lists with tranche classifications and delivery activity
• Oversee system readiness assessments and implementation plans for Vesting Day
• Coordinate requirements and decisions with service leads, SMEs and business analysts
• Manage risks, issues, dependencies and blockers with timely escalation
• Produce governance papers, assurance updates and progress reporting for boards
• Plan resources, capacity and skills, and identify gaps
• Support financial management of transition activity including cost forecasting and budgeting
• Maintain audit trail of decisions, actions and evidence of completion and readiness

Key requirements

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience in programme, project or change management
• Significant experience delivering complex projects/programmes or transformation initiatives in a large organisation
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders in a matrix environment
• Strong capability in plans, risks, issues, dependencies, resources, budgets and governance
• Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, suppliers and SMEs
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills; ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations
• Knowledge of change management, project management and continuous improvement and their practical application
• Comprehensive knowledge of computerised business systems
• Professional PM qualification such as MSP, PRINCE2, APM PMQ or equivalent (advantageous)

• Stakeholder engagement
• Influencing without direct authority
• Analytical thinking
• Programme governance
• Risk, issue and dependency management
• Resource and budget planning

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