Senior Programme Manager

We’re at a big turning point at SGN. The world is changing fast — expectations from customers, communities, regulators and our stakeholders are rising. Technology is moving quicker than ever. We need to catch up and then stay ahead if we want to be the best GDN in the UK. We need to make sure we’re set up for success.

We’re focusing on three big goals:

• Supporting our frontline first
• Cutting waste, not corners
• Working smarter, together

The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing the successful delivery of change initiatives across the COO function. This role supports directorates in landing change effectively and sustainably, ensuring alignment with SGN’s transformation objectives and realisation of business benefits.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead the delivery of complex, high-impact projects that align with our strategic objectives. In this role, you will oversee the full project lifecycle—from initiation through to implementation and benefits realisation—managing cross-functional teams, budgets, risks, and stakeholders to ensure timely and successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of medium-to-large-scale projects across the business.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, including scope, timeline, budget, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective delivery across all workstreams.
• Monitor project performance, track milestones, manage risks and issues, and ensure corrective actions are taken where necessary.
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders at all levels, including executive sponsors, providing clear, concise, and timely updates.
• Ensure compliance with project governance, controls, and reporting standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and contributing to the maturity of the PMO.
• Support change management and business readiness activities to ensure successful adoption of project outcomes.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience (typically 5+ years) managing complex projects in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile, PMBOK) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet).
• Exceptional leadership, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage risks, budgets, dependencies, and change effectively.
• Experience in delivering both technology and business change projects is highly desirable.
• Relevant project management certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, AgilePM) preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• (Highly Desirable) Experience with highly complex people change.
• (Highly Desirable) Experience working in an operational setting within Utilities sector.

Not sure you meet every requirement? Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN? SGN is a leader in pioneering research and development toward a net-zero energy system. Our cutting-edge technologies and innovative thinking are driving change in the gas industry, all while keeping people safe and warm.

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We’re here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.