At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the integration of Allied Bakeries and Hovis in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic FMCG company with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare, and discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving successful business integrations.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and leading merger integrations.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Salary: Competitive. Full time, Hybrid - working in the office 2 days a week and 3 days from home (subject to business needs). Fixed Term for 12 Months.
The Programme Manager is a key member of the Project Vesper leadership team, partnering with Business Leads to deliver the successful integration of Allied Bakeries and Hovis. This role will lead the technical integration across commercial, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, finance and technology functions, ensuring business continuity in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
Responsible for delivering agreed programme outcomes, timelines and budgets, the Programme Manager will define the delivery approach, lead day-to-day decisions with Business Leads, manage risks and issues, and drive effective collaboration across all workstreams.
Why Join Us?
We believe in rewarding our employees and providing a supportive work environment. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Competitive Benefits Package including:
- Competitive Salary
- Generous Leave – 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Free Onsite Parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Healthcare Scheme
- Pension Scheme (4%)
- Onsite Shop
- Eyecare Vouchers
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Grocery and holiday Discounts
Key Accountabilities
- Deliver the technical integration programme plan and budget across the merger roadmap.
- Manage programme scope, dependencies and critical path activities across both businesses.
- Establish effective governance, reporting and project controls appropriate for a fast-moving FMCG environment.
- Drive informed decision-making through governance forums, escalating risks that may impact customers, supply continuity, costs or operational performance.
- Lead programme resources, capability planning and team performance.
- Build and lead a high-performing project team and positive delivery culture.
- Identify and mitigate risks and issues, implementing solutions that protect business continuity.
- Work closely with business, technology and functional teams to deliver integration milestones across processes, data, systems, organisation design and ways of working.
- Coordinate activity across workstreams and lead programme delivery meetings.
- Resolve escalated issues relating to design, testing, cutover, operational readiness and deployment.
- Support transition planning, cutover, hypercare and stabilisation activities.
- Ensure solutions meet operational requirements across service, manufacturing, distribution and commercial functions.
- Manage relationships with suppliers, technology teams and stakeholders across both organisations.
- Balance scope, timeline and budget while maintaining operational stability throughout integration.
- Ensure business readiness, communication, training and adoption plans are implemented effectively.
- Monitor and manage risks affecting customer service, production, logistics, financial control, compliance and trading performance.
- Support practical, sustainable integration decisions aligned to the needs of a high-volume FMCG business.
The Right Person
- Strong programme and project management expertise, including governance, methodologies, tools and delivery controls.
- Experience leading merger integrations, acquisitions, carve-outs or business separation programmes.
- Proven delivery of ERP and complex technology integration programmes across finance, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics or customer-facing functions.
- FMCG, food manufacturing, distribution or high-volume consumer goods experience is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership experience across multidisciplinary business, technology and supplier teams.
- Financial and budget management expertise.
- Skilled in risk and issue management, particularly where business continuity, customer service or supply chain performance are critical.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, influencing senior leaders, operational teams, sites and external partners.
- Experience managing third-party suppliers and vendors.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced, complex and operationally sensitive environments.
Programme Manager in Liverpool employer: Allied Bakeries
Allied Bakeries is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stockport where innovation and teamwork thrive. With a strong focus on health, safety, and quality, employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Programme Manager at Allied Bakeries!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Allied Bakeries or be willing to refer you for that Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Allied Bakeries who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Programme Manager role at Allied Bakeries!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Allied Bakeries. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allied Bakeries
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Allied Bakeries. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!