At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Near Me initiative, driving clarity and collaboration across teams.
- Company: Join Blue Light Card, a mission-driven platform making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic culture with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of impactful projects that connect communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading cross-functional programmes in digital environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Blue Light Card has built something that genuinely matters to the people who use it. Our platform connects millions of members with savings and experiences that make a real difference to their everyday lives, and we're continuing to find new ways to deepen that value. BLC Near Me is part of that next chapter, focused on bringing local and in-person opportunities to our members and the communities around them. This is a six-month fixed-term contract for a Programme Manager to sit at the centre of the Near Me initiative, working across product, engineering, data, design, and go-to-market teams.
Reporting to the BLC Near Me Lead, you will own the end-to-end programme plan, translating strategy into structured, prioritised workstreams with clear owners and milestones. Your job is to make the whole system move faster, together. This is not a role for someone who coordinates from the sidelines. You will drive clarity, resolve blockers, manage dependencies, and build the operating infrastructure that takes Near Me from early-stage momentum to a scalable, evidenced delivery model.
What You’ll Do
- Own and maintain the end-to-end programme plan, ensuring workstreams, milestones, and owners are clear and aligned to Near Me's success criteria.
- Translate strategy and hypotheses into structured, executable plans across product, engineering, data, design, and go-to-market teams.
- Coordinate across squads and functions to manage dependencies, sequencing, and delivery alignment, keeping the programme on track as it scales.
- Identify and resolve risks, blockers, and delivery gaps proactively, driving accountability across the initiative rather than waiting for issues to surface.
- Establish and maintain a strong operating cadence, including planning cycles, progress tracking, and reporting that gives leadership clear visibility of performance.
- Work closely with Technical Product Managers and squad leads to support effective execution at sprint level, including launch readiness for key initiatives and releases.
- Use AI to improve how the programme operates, including structuring plans, automating reporting and tracking, and identifying opportunities to reduce coordination overhead.
- Contribute to the development of a measurement framework that connects outputs to outcomes, supporting the evidence base for what scales.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience leading cross-functional programmes or initiatives in product-led, digital environments, with a strong track record of turning ambiguous strategy into clear, structured plans.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams, stakeholders, and dependencies simultaneously, including experience coordinating delivery across blended teams involving internal squads and external suppliers or contractors.
- Solid experience working alongside product, engineering, and data teams in an Agile environment, with a practical understanding of how software delivery works at sprint level.
- Strong prioritisation and organisational skills focused on outcomes rather than activity, with the confidence to challenge priorities and hold teams to account on delivery.
- Effective stakeholder management and the ability to influence across functions without direct authority, building trust and alignment quickly in a high-visibility, fast-moving environment.
- Comfort operating in low-structure environments where the operating model itself needs to be built, not inherited, alongside a pragmatic and adaptable approach to ways of working.
- Familiarity with AI tools and a genuine interest in applying them to improve how programmes plan, report, and execute would be a bonus, though is not essential.
Our Culture
Our mission is simple – make heroes happy. Our members are the real-life heroes who keep us all safe, cared for, and thriving. It's what gets us up in the morning and pushes us to go further, think bigger, and create something that truly matters. By focusing on their happiness, we create amazing experiences, deliver unrivalled discounts, innovative products, and world-class service. We don't just follow the usual path - we look for smarter, bolder ways to deliver real impact. We take ownership, move fast, and work shoulder to shoulder to build something special. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels they belong. Different perspectives and experiences help us grow, innovate, and better reflect the communities we serve.
We promote hybrid working, and value in-person collaboration so encourage time in our offices, where you can make the most of our fully stocked snack drawers – either the HQ in Leicestershire, or London, Holborn office. The frequency and office location will vary depending on the role and team. Blue Light Card is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that employing a diverse workforce is key to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. In the event of a high number of applications, we'll prioritise candidates who meet both the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working and flexible hours
- EV charging and free parking onsite at HQ
- 25 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday, and a buy and sell holiday scheme of up to 5 days
- A company bonus scheme
- Your own Blue Light Card and exclusive access to thousands of discounts
- Generous funded BUPA medical insurance covering pre-existing conditions
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme via salary sacrifice, with employer NI savings reinvested into pensions
- Enhanced parental leave and absence leave
- Healthcare cashback plan
- Employee assistance programme (including mental health support) and mental health first aiders
- Great social events e.g., festive party, summer party, team socials, sports matches
- Regular company-wide recognition events e.g. monthly Light's Up and annual Shine awards
- Relaxed dress code and modern office space (games area, chill-out areas, book club, free drinks/snacks)
- Onsite gym at HQ (including access to free HIIT & stretch classes)
- Strong learning and development culture and personal growth fund
Programme Manager (6 month FTC) employer: Blue Light Card Ltd
At Blue Light Card, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our team members while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our hybrid working model, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave plus your birthday off, and a strong focus on personal growth through learning and development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact for our members while enjoying a vibrant work environment in either our Leicestershire or London office, complete with modern amenities and a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (6 month FTC)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Blue Light Card Ltd. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Blue Light Card Ltd.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Blue Light Card Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (6 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Blue Light Card Ltd and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Light Card Ltd
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Blue Light Card Ltd will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Blue Light Card Ltd.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Blue Light Card Ltd.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Blue Light Card Ltd. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
