At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global retail design projects and manage a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Dyson, a pioneering tech company focused on innovation and better ideas.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, 27 days holiday, and free lunches.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of retail design and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and leading project teams required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Us
At Dyson we believe everything could be better. Fuelled by a frustration with things that don’t work properly and a relentless obsession with making them work better, we’ve spent the last 25 years pioneering inventions and continually improving. We’re growing fast. And our ambition is huge. But it’s not simply about more people and more profit. Dyson is all about better ideas and new technologies. It’s about inventing the future.
Our philosophy remains the same as it was 25 years ago when James Dyson invented the first cyclonic vacuum cleaner. We remain family-owned. We don’t bow to outside shareholders or report to the stock exchange. Instead we plot our own path, unshackled from conventional thinking.
About The Role
Dyson is seeking an exceptional Senior Programme Manager to lead all project and programme management within the Global Retail Design & Experience team. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring clarity, focus, prioritisation and delivery across a highly complex and fast‑moving global portfolio. With 150+ live projects at any given time, spanning direct retail stores, third‑party retail design, NPD fixtures, visual merchandising, 2D design, digital in retail, retail innovations and concepts, this role acts as the central operational backbone of the team. Given Dyson’s constant innovation and frequent product and timing changes, the Senior Programme Manager is a key enabler of speed, accuracy and commercial impact. The role leads a small, high‑performing team of Project Managers and Senior Project Managers, each aligned to different product categories and project types, and works closely with global and regional stakeholders to ensure the right work is happening at the right time.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme & Portfolio Leadership
- Own and lead the end‑to‑end programme management function for Global Retail Design & Experience
- Maintain a clear, constantly updated view across the entire portfolio of live and pipeline projects
- Establish and run robust governance, prioritisation and reporting frameworks that support rapid decision‑making
- Act as the single source of truth for project status, risk, dependencies and critical path impacts
- Strategic Prioritisation & Focus
- Ensure the team is continually focused on the most critical projects, aligned to business priorities, launches and market needs
- Rapidly assess and re‑prioritise work in response to product changes, timing shifts and strategic resets
- Provide clear recommendations to VP‑level leadership when trade‑offs or decisions are needed
- Team Leadership & Development
- Line‑manage and develop a team of Project Managers and Senior PMs covering different product categories and workstreams
- Set clear expectations, ways of working and standards for planning, delivery and communication
- Coach the team to operate confidently in a high‑change, high‑volume environment
- Encourage proactive collaboration at all times, working with other business functions to maintain alignment.
- Delivery Excellence
- Oversee delivery across a broad mix of project types, including:
- Direct retail store design and rollouts
- Third‑party retail design and toolkits
- New Product Development (NPD) fixtures
- Visual merchandising programmes
- 2D retail design assets
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, to scope and to quality, while managing risk pragmatically
- Stakeholder & Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders across Retail Design, Product, RDD, Marketing, Supply Chain and Markets.
- Translate complex and changing inputs into clear, actionable plans for the team
- Confidently challenge when necessary to protect capacity, focus and delivery quality
- Operational Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Define and evolve programme management frameworks, tools and reporting to suit Dyson’s pace of innovation
- Balance structure with flexibility – enabling speed without bureaucracy
- Drive continuous improvement in how the team plans, communicates and delivers
About You
- Significant experience in senior programme or portfolio management within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments
- Proven leadership of project management teams
- Experience managing high volumes of concurrent projects with frequent change
- Background in retail design, experiential design, physical product environments or related industries strongly preferred
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels
Skills & Capabilities
- Calm, confident and effective under pressure and ambiguity
- Highly structured thinker with the ability to simplify complexity
- Excellent communication – able to distil complex programmes into clear narratives
- Strong stakeholder influencing skills, including at senior leadership level
- Exceptional prioritisation, judgment and decision‑making skills
Leadership Style
- Positive, proactive, resilient and solution‑focused
- Trusted, transparent and decisive
- Naturally collaborative, but willing to challenge and say no when needed
- Passionate about enabling teams to do their best work
Why This Role Matters
This role is pivotal to the success of Dyson’s global retail design ambition. With responsibility spanning over 400+ direct retail stores and 26,000+ third‑party retail doors globally, and with constant innovation at the heart of the brand, the Senior Programme Manager is the central operational leader who ensures the team stays aligned, focused and effective at all times. The VP of Global Retail & Events Design relies heavily on this role as a trusted partner to ensure the right work is being done, at the right time, with full visibility of risk, change and opportunity.
Benefits
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Discounts on Dyson machines and retail discounts
- Free bus travel to and from campus (from Bristol, Bath, Chippenham, and Swindon)
Lifestyle
- 27 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Free on-site lunches, fruit, and hot drinks
- Free on-site sports centre, gym, hair salon, and lifestyle assistance (concierge)
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Ability to purchase additional holiday
Health
- Private medical insurance and dental insurance
- Employee assistance programme, digital GP, on-site physio and GP, prescription service, fertility treatment support
Dyson is an equal opportunity employer. We know that great minds don’t think alike, and it takes all kinds of minds to make our technology so unique. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other any other dimension of diversity.
Senior Programme Manager employer: Dyson
Dyson is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture where technology enthusiasts can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including 27 days of annual leave, a quarterly performance-related bonus, and discounts on our innovative products. Working in Chester Brombrough, you'll be part of a dynamic team that not only values your contributions but also empowers you to create remarkable customer experiences in a pioneering retail environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager
✨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 Senior Programme Manager at Dyson!
✨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 Dyson or be willing to refer you for that Senior 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 Dyson who’s on the lookout for their next Senior 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 Senior Programme Manager role at Dyson!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager
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 Dyson. 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 Dyson
✨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 Dyson. 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!
