Head of Programme in Irchester

Our Head of Programme leads the highest priority, most complex pieces of change work in the Booker business and contributes directly to the success of the Plan. As programme experts, they need to be able to create, mobilise and run virtual teams across all business functions to respond to challenges that are often new for everyone involved. This role presents an opportunity to work directly with Exec members and Business Leaders in all functions. Any year will see multiple programmes and a shifting focus as one piece of work is completed and another starts. The role is therefore ideal for somebody looking to build a broader network or gain experience working across multiple functions. It is a great opportunity for somebody to show what they can do as a leader – bringing clarity and structure where no precedent exists, whilst leading peers and more senior colleagues to deliver critical business priorities. There is the opportunity to mentor and develop colleagues across all functions within the broader change community.

Responsibilities

• Contribute across all Business Planning & Strategy work through active participation in the leadership team.
• Provide subject matter support and development both within the team and across the Programmes, Projects and Change community.
• Define and scope the programmes you lead, establishing clear direction by shaping the ambition, priorities and business case.
• Build cross functional programme teams to establish and embed ways of working.
• Establish and facilitate the appropriate levels of governance to provide strategic oversight and direction for the programmes.
• Manage interdependencies and impacts across portfolios/programmes.
• Drive progress in a consistent, transparent way, and to identify and manage issues and risks, dependencies, and opportunities.

The successful candidate will embrace uncertainty, relishing the opportunity to bring clarity where none exists.

Candidate Expectations

• Their energy and positive outlook will ensure that teams around them always find a way to get the right things done, in the right way.
• They will have the Booker Purpose and Values at the heart.
• They will have a proven track record of delivering complex and sustained change at substantial scale.
• They will be able to demonstrate experience of managing cross functional project teams including peers and senior leaders.
• They will have experience of influencing senior stakeholders and facilitating challenging governance sessions.
• They will look for opportunities to take accountability and make decisions.
• They will have a clear plan for what they want for the role, whilst being able to articulate how it enables their future career and development.

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome. We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you. We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact us.

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles. On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.