At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead delivery transformation and oversee complex client engagements with a focus on quality and accountability.
- Company: Guildhawk, a forward-thinking company with a hybrid remote-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, tailored development plans, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a friendly, ambitious team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and leading innovative projects in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management, strong leadership skills, and experience with AI and technology.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: London or Sheffield (Hybrid Remote First)
About the Role: Guildhawk is seeking an experienced Lead Programme Manager to sit at the front of delivery transformation across our Project Management and Programme function. We are looking for a senior leader who sets direction, raises standards, and actively drives change across people, processes and client delivery.
The Lead Programme Manager will provide programme-level oversight across complex client engagements, lead and develop project and programme managers, and act as the senior authority on delivery judgement, quality and risk. This role is pivotal in reducing delivery load at senior leadership level by owning transformation on the ground.
What You’ll Do
- Programme & Delivery Leadership
- Set clear standards for delivery quality, decision-making and accountability across programmes and teams
- Act as the senior escalation point for delivery, resourcing, quality and risk issues
- Own delivery outcomes end-to-end, including difficult judgement calls under pressure
- Transformation & Standards
- Lead delivery transformation across the PM and Programme function, driving consistent ways of working
- Challenge existing processes and behaviours where they no longer serve client or business needs
- Translate lessons learned into clear, enforceable team standards
- Reduce ambiguity by setting direction rather than seeking consensus
- Lead, coach and develop a team of project and programme managers, setting expectations and holding performance to account
- Support progression of Programme Managers and Senior PMs through structured guidance and feedback
- Act as a firm, fair and visible leadership presence for the delivery team
- Client & Commercial Responsibility
- Lead and participate in senior client meetings, both remotely and in person
- Scope and design solutions (including pricing) to meet client needs – from straightforward translation work to complex solutions involving SaaS platforms, AI/ML workflows and audiovisual production
- Confidently challenge client assumptions and requests where required to protect quality, risk and outcomes
- Collaborate closely with Customer Success, Sales and Product teams to align delivery with client goals and commercial objectives
- Provide clear leadership on the appropriate use of AI and automation within delivery
- Hold and defend Guildhawk’s position of certainty over unverified AI output in client and internal discussions
- Ensure technology-enabled solutions are robust, verifiable and fit for purpose
- Drive quality, compliance and continuous improvement in line with ISO standards
What You’ll Bring
- 5+ years’ experience in project and/or programme management within language services, technology, SaaS or similar delivery environments
- Demonstrable experience overseeing complex, multi-workstream delivery
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing delivery teams
- A leadership style that is decisive, direct and comfortable setting boundaries
- Strong personal accountability — able to own mistakes plainly and use them to improve team performance
- Sound judgement around AI, automation and technology — understanding where it adds value and where it does not
- Commercial awareness, including margin, resourcing and risk considerations
- Confidence engaging with enterprise clients and senior stakeholders
- Strong knowledge of CAT tools, language technology, APIs, AI-enabled workflows and platforms such as Copilot
- Experience working within ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17100 environments (desirable)
What We Offer
- Hybrid Remote First working environment
- London or Sheffield base
- Development plan tailored to your needs to support long-term growth
- Friendly, collaborative and ambitious team
- Internal training on Guildhawk products, services and ISO-certified processes
Lead Programme Manager in Sheffield employer: Guildhawk Limited
Guildhawk is an exceptional employer that fosters a hybrid remote-first work culture, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a strong team spirit. With a focus on employee development, we offer tailored growth plans and internal training to ensure our team members thrive in their careers. Our commitment to quality and innovation, combined with a collaborative environment, makes Guildhawk a rewarding place to work for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in project management and delivery transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Programme Manager in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Lead Programme Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Guildhawk and understanding their values and projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around delivery transformation and leadership. We want to see that you can own outcomes and drive change!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in project management and how you’ve led teams to success. Highlight your ability to make tough decisions under pressure and how you’ve improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Guildhawk and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Programme Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project and programme management, especially in language services or technology. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Programme Manager!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about leading teams and driving transformation, don’t hold back on sharing examples of your leadership style. We love to see how you’ve set standards and made tough decisions in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guildhawk Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in project and programme management principles, especially in the context of language services and technology. Brush up on your knowledge of CAT tools, AI workflows, and ISO standards, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Prepare examples that highlight your decisiveness and ability to set clear boundaries while still being supportive.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Think about potential client scenarios you might face in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle difficult judgement calls under pressure, and how you would challenge client assumptions to protect quality and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understand the commercial aspects of project delivery, including margin, resourcing, and risk considerations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve balanced these factors in previous roles and how you would apply that knowledge at Guildhawk.