At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional programmes, turning strategy into clear, actionable plans.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative digital solutions.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with potential for growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with AI tools and enhance programme efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving clarity and collaboration across teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and Agile environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Requirements
- 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.
What the job involves
- 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, evidence‑based delivery model.
- 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.
Programme Manager (6 Month Fixed Term Contract) employer: Blue Light Card
As a Programme Manager at our innovative company, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that champions creativity and agility. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and the chance to lead impactful projects like the Near Me initiative. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a flexible work-life balance and the unique advantage of working with cutting-edge AI tools to enhance programme delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)
✨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. 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.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)
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 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
✨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 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.
✨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.
✨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. 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.
