At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead delivery transformation and oversee complex client engagements with a focus on quality and risk.
- Company: Guildhawk, a forward-thinking company in language services and technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid remote work, 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
Programme Lead 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 looking to make a meaningful impact in project and programme management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead in Sheffield
✨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 Lead at Guildhawk Limited!
✨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 Guildhawk Limited or be willing to refer you for that Programme Lead 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 Guildhawk Limited who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Lead 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 Lead role at Guildhawk Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead in Sheffield
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 Guildhawk Limited. 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 Guildhawk Limited
✨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 Guildhawk Limited. 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!