At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes that enhance services and outcomes for Birmingham's citizens.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council during a crucial transformation phase.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and impactful work experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale change programmes and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Rate: £500 per day (inside IR35)
Contract Type: Initial 6-month contract
Location: Birmingham (hybrid working)
Are you an experienced Programme or Change professional looking to make a meaningful impact at scale? Join Birmingham City Council at a pivotal time of transformation, where you will play a key role in shaping and delivering programmes that improve services and outcomes for our citizens.
About the Role
As a Programme & Change Manager, you will lead and deliver complex transformation programmes that support the Council's strategic priorities. Working within the Transformation function, you will design, implement and embed sustainable change, ensuring measurable improvements in service delivery, efficiency and customer experience. You will operate at the heart of the organisation, working closely with senior leaders, stakeholders and partners to drive forward impactful change.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of complex transformation programmes, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives
- Develop and implement robust programme frameworks, governance, and reporting structures
- Manage the full programme life cycle, including business case development, planning, implementation and benefits realisation
- Apply structured methodologies (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, Lean) to ensure effective delivery
- Drive business design and process improvement, creating future-state operating models
- Build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across the organisation and with external partners
- Manage risks, issues, dependencies and budgets to ensure successful outcomes
- Support and develop a high-performing Transformation function
- Provide clear reporting and insight to senior leadership, including Cabinet members and executives
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience delivering large-scale, high-risk change or transformation programmes
- Strong understanding of programme and project methodologies (MSP, PRINCE2, Lean, or similar)
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative solutions that improve services and drive efficiencies
- Excellent stakeholder management, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels
- Strong leadership capability, including managing teams and resources effectively
- Experience in financial management, governance and performance reporting
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences
- Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, Change Management) are desirable
- Understanding of the challenges facing public sector transformation
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Programme Manager in Birmingham employer: Hays HR
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative change that directly impacts the community. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will thrive in a hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance while engaging with senior leaders and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a meaningful journey towards enhancing public services and outcomes for our citizens.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Birmingham City Council's current transformation initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led change programmes in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Programme Manager. Highlight your experience with transformation programmes and any relevant methodologies like MSP or PRINCE2. We want to see how your skills align with what Birmingham City Council is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can make a meaningful impact. We love seeing candidates who can connect their experiences to the Council's strategic priorities.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, be sure to highlight your experience in managing relationships and influencing at all levels. We want to know how you've navigated complex environments in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays HR
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the transformation programmes Birmingham City Council is currently undertaking. Familiarise yourself with their strategic priorities and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Methodologies
Be prepared to discuss your experience with structured methodologies like MSP, PRINCE2, or Lean. Have specific examples ready that illustrate how you've successfully applied these frameworks in past projects. This will show that you not only know the theory but can also implement it effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, think of examples where you've influenced or negotiated with various stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you've tailored your messages to different audiences. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and drive change across the organisation.
✨Prepare for Pressure Scenarios
Given the high-risk nature of transformation programmes, be ready to discuss how you've managed competing priorities and delivered results under pressure. Share specific instances where you've navigated challenges and achieved successful outcomes, showcasing your leadership capabilities and resilience.
