At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major transformation programme, coordinating teams and managing dependencies.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK & Ireland, a leader in food and support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to influence across various functions.
- Why this job: Shape significant change in a high-profile role with real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong stakeholder skills required.
Location: Birmingham/Mobile/Hybrid
Business Area: Compass UK & Ireland – Strategic Transformation
Role Type: Programme / Transformation / Technology Delivery
Compass Group UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced and technically credible Programme Manager to play a key role in one of the most strategically important transformation programmes in our UK&I portfolio. This is a high‑profile, hands‑on role at the centre of the Compass One Strategic Transformation Programme — a complex, cross‑functional initiative spanning technology, operations, commercial, workforce and wider business functions. You will bring together multiple workstreams into a single delivery plan, ensuring dependencies are understood, risks are identified early and key programme milestones remain firmly on track.
We're looking for someone who can see the bigger picture while staying close to the detail; someone who can coordinate senior stakeholders, technical teams, suppliers and business functions with confidence, clarity and pace.
What You'll Be Doing
- Build and own the integrated programme plan across all functions and workstreams
- Manage cross‑functional dependencies and critical‑path activities
- Identify risks, issues and delivery gaps before they impact key milestones
- Lead programme governance, SteerCo meetings and executive reporting
- Ensure stakeholders remain aligned on priorities, decisions and delivery commitments
- Coordinate third‑party suppliers, technology partners and delivery teams
- Drive readiness activities for mobilisation and go‑live events
- Provide clear visibility of programme performance, risks and dependencies
About You
You will be an experienced Programme Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex technology, digital or transformation programmes involving multiple stakeholders and interdependent workstreams. You will be comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment, balancing strategic oversight with hands‑on programme leadership. You'll possess excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to translate complex technical and operational challenges into clear plans, actions and outcomes. You’ll be naturally organised, proactive and calm under pressure, with the ability to influence across teams and suppliers without direct authority.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant programme or project management experience within technology, digital or transformation environments
- Proven experience building integrated plans and managing programme dependencies
- Strong governance, RAID management and executive reporting capability
- Experience coordinating third‑party suppliers and delivery partners
- Excellent stakeholder management skills across business and technical audiences
- Strong understanding of technology delivery, architecture, integrations, APIs, cloud platforms, cyber security and data solutions
- Experience managing complex programmes with fixed milestones and delivery deadlines
- Programme or project management qualification such as MSP, PRINCE2, PMP or APM (or equivalent experience)
- Eligibility to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance
Desirable Experience
- SAP transformation or upgrade programmes
- Retail, food service, facilities management or workforce management technology environments
- Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001 accreditation programmes
- Bid, mobilisation or contract transition experience
Why Join Compass?
This is a unique opportunity to help shape one of Compass UK & Ireland's most significant transformation programmes. You'll work across technology, operations and commercial functions, influencing key decisions and helping deliver meaningful change at scale. If you thrive on complexity, enjoy bringing structure to large‑scale programmes and want to make a tangible impact in a high‑profile transformation environment, we'd love to hear from you.
About Compass Group UK & Ireland
Compass Group UK & Ireland is the UK's leading food and support services business, delivering outstanding experiences across sectors including business and industry, healthcare, education, defence, sport and leisure. Through innovation, expertise and operational excellence, we support millions of people every day and help our clients achieve their goals.
Programme Manager in Birmingham employer: Chartwells Independent
Join Constellation at Molineux Stadium, where we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment for our Kitchen Porters. With flexible matchday roles, you'll have the chance to be part of thrilling events while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development within the Levy UK family. Our commitment to high standards and teamwork ensures that every employee feels valued and integral to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Birmingham
✨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 Chartwells Independent!
✨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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Birmingham
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 Chartwells Independent. 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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 Chartwells Independent. 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!
