Strategic Programme & Operations Director

Strategic Programme & Operations Director

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Endava Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale innovative AI-driven projects, turning strategy into impactful execution.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on meaningful change and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, career coaching, and flexible working hours.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of AI consultancy.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in operations with strong problem-solving and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Technology is our how. And people are our why. For over two decades, we have been harnessing technology to drive meaningful change. By combining world‑class engineering, industry expertise and a people‑centric mindset, we consult and partner with leading brands from various industries to create dynamic platforms and intelligent digital experiences that drive innovation and transform businesses. From prototype to real‑world impact – be part of a global shift by doing work that matters.

Endava is on an AI Native journey. As one of OpenAI’s global partners we are committed to exploring (and helping our clients explore) the benefits AI can bring to productivity, effectiveness and accuracy. Our goal is to seize the AI‑catalyzed growth moment to navigate this changing landscape and ensure ourselves and our clients thrive. Dava.Y is Endava’s growth engine for the AI era – working with clients to find and make their next big growth move.

A senior operator who can help build, run and scale Dava.Y as it grows – turning ambition into a working, high‑performing business. You will work closely with the Dava.Y Lead and Engagement Directors to shape how we operate, how we scale, and how we consistently deliver high‑quality engagements. You will sit across everything, from how engagements are structured and delivered, to how we plan capacity, track performance, and convert opportunities into revenue and downstream impact. You’ll play a central role in building the Dava.Y business – a growth consultancy for the AI era. We’re looking for someone who combines structured thinking with pragmatism, is comfortable in ambiguity, and is motivated by building something from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the Dava.Y Lead and Engagement Directors to shape and evolve the operating model
  • Turn strategy into execution, ensuring plans translate into clear actions, priorities and outcomes
  • Oversee the end-to-end engagement lifecycle
  • Support resource planning and team allocation across engagements
  • Ensure consistency and quality across Dava.Y engagements (typically 4‑10 weeks, £125k–£250k)
  • Build and maintain lightweight processes, tools and reporting to track performance (e.g. pipeline, revenue, conversion, utilisation)
  • Drive the commercial engine – tracking how Dava.Y engagements convert into downstream delivery and ensuring momentum is maintained
  • Shape and evolve how Dava.Y engagements operate, from ways of working to team structure and delivery rhythm
  • Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and implement improvements to how the team operates
  • Support proposal development and engagement shaping where needed
  • Work with Engagement Directors, discipline Leads and Client Partners to ensure alignment across accounts
  • Use AI not just to optimise processes, but to rethink how work gets done and how the business scales
  • Help define how Dava.Y scales (incl. team structure, hiring priorities, and ways of working)
Experience
  • 10+ years in operations, programme or studio leadership roles
  • Experience operating in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments scaling teams or businesses
  • Strong understanding of how consulting, product, design or digital delivery models work
  • Experience running complex programmes, portfolios or operations functions
  • Exposure to commercial performance, revenue tracking and pipeline management
Skills & Attributes
  • Strong structured thinking and problem‑solving ability
  • Able to move between strategic thinking and hands‑on execution
  • Highly organised, with the ability to bring clarity and structure to complexity
  • Commercially aware, with a strong understanding of how work translates into revenue and growth
  • Comfortable working across multiple stakeholders and disciplines
  • Proactive and self‑starting – identify problems early and solve without waiting
  • Clear communicator, able to align and motivate teams, and drive decisions
  • High standards for quality, pace and delivery
  • Curious and proactive in applying AI to improve how teams work, decisions are made, and the business scales
  • Motivated by building and scaling something new, not just operating within an existing structure

About Dava.Y Most companies are ready to invest in growth, but struggle with where to place their bets, which opportunities are worth pursuing, and how to turn ideas into something that actually delivers value. Dava.Y exists to close that gap. We work with client leadership teams to identify new growth opportunities – new products, platforms and business models. We build the case and confidence to invest, and translate them into delivery programmes that return on that investment. Our engagements are short and focused but designed to create momentum and unlock much larger opportunities downstream. We’re building a small, high‑calibre team to do this. People who care about the quality of thinking, the clarity of ideas, and making moves that matter.

Discover some of the global benefits that empower our people to become the best version of themselves: Finance: Competitive salary package, share plan, company performance bonuses, value‑based recognition awards, referral bonus; Career Development: Career coaching, global career opportunities, non‑linear career paths, internal development programmes for management and technical leadership; Learning Opportunities: Complex projects, rotations, internal tech communities, training, certifications, coaching, online learning platforms subscriptions, pass‑it‑on sessions, workshops, conferences; Work‑Life Balance: Hybrid work and flexible working hours, employee assistance programme; Health: Global internal wellbeing programme, access to wellbeing apps; Community: Global internal tech communities, hobby clubs and interest groups, inclusion and diversity programmes, events and celebrations.

At Endava, we’re committed to creating an open, inclusive, and respectful environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—because we know that inclusive teams help us deliver smarter, more innovative solutions for our customers. Hiring decisions are based on merit, skills, qualifications, and potential. If you need adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Strategic Programme & Operations Director employer: Endava Limited

Endava is an exceptional employer that prioritises both technology and people, fostering a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee growth through career coaching, diverse learning opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance, Endava empowers its team members to excel in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects. Located in a vibrant environment, employees benefit from a collaborative atmosphere that values inclusivity and encourages the exploration of AI-driven solutions, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact.

Endava Limited

Contact Details:

Endava Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Programme & Operations Director

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Endava. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us you understand our mission and how you can contribute to Dava.Y's growth journey.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Strategic Programme & Operations Director. We want to hear how you can turn strategy into action.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Programme & Operations Director

Strategic Thinking
Operational Leadership
Programme Management
Resource Planning
Performance Tracking
Commercial Awareness
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations and programme leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Strategic Programme & Operations Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love a good problem-solver! Use your application to demonstrate how you've tackled complex challenges in the past. Share specific examples that illustrate your structured thinking and ability to turn strategy into execution.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Endava!

How to prepare for a job interview at Endava Limited

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Endava's mission and the Dava.Y initiative. Understand how they leverage AI to drive growth and innovation. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to operate in fast-paced environments and scale teams. Highlight instances where you've turned strategy into execution, as this is crucial for the Strategic Programme & Operations Director role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Come prepared with questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Inquire about the challenges Dava.Y faces in scaling operations or how they envision the integration of AI in their processes. This shows you're thinking critically about the position.

Demonstrate Structured Thinking

During the interview, articulate your thought process clearly when discussing problem-solving scenarios. Use structured frameworks to explain how you would identify bottlenecks and implement improvements, showcasing your ability to bring clarity to complexity.