At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform project delivery across complex client engagements.
- Company: Guildhawk, a forward-thinking company in language services and technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid remote work, tailored development plans, competitive salary, and a friendly team.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with strong leadership and commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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
- Provide programme‐level leadership across multiple complex, multi‐workstream client engagements
- 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
- People Leadership
- 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
- AI, Technology & Governance
- 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
- Competitive salary and benefits package
Lead Programme Manager in Sheffield employer: Guildhawk
Guildhawk is an exceptional employer that fosters a hybrid remote-first working environment, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a strong team culture. With a focus on employee development through tailored growth plans and internal training, Guildhawk empowers its staff to excel in their roles and drive meaningful change in project delivery. The collaborative and ambitious atmosphere, combined with competitive salary and benefits, makes Guildhawk an attractive place for professionals seeking impactful careers in programme management.
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 and let them know you're on the hunt for a Lead Programme Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Guildhawk's projects and values. Show us that you understand our mission and how your experience aligns with our goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership style and how you can drive transformation in our delivery processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your delivery skills! As a Lead Programme Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and teams. Consider doing mock interviews or presentations to refine your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and confidently.
✨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 us you're genuinely interested in joining the Guildhawk team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Programme Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Lead Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in project and programme management, especially in complex environments. We want to see how you've set standards and driven change in your previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Guildhawk. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and transformed delivery processes. We love a good story that showcases your leadership style!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve used them! Talk about how you've coached and developed teams, and how you've made tough decisions under pressure. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence and clarity.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do—just follow the prompts and let us know why you want to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guildhawk
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Lead Programme Manager and the specific challenges Guildhawk faces. Brush up on your knowledge of project management methodologies, especially in complex, multi-workstream environments. Being able to discuss relevant experiences will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also ready to tackle its demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of examples where you've set clear standards, driven change, or developed team members. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can lead with decisiveness and accountability, which are key traits for this position.
✨Be Ready to Challenge
Since the role involves challenging client assumptions and requests, come prepared with examples of when you've had to do this in the past. Highlight how you balanced client needs with quality and risk management. This will show that you’re not afraid to stand your ground when it comes to delivering the best outcomes.
✨Understand the Tech Landscape
Familiarise yourself with AI, automation, and technology solutions relevant to the language services industry. Be ready to discuss how these tools can enhance delivery and where they might fall short. Showing that you have a sound judgement about technology will reassure them that you can lead effectively in a tech-driven environment.
