At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major projects, ensuring quality and safety across diverse teams and locations.
- Company: Join National Highways, enhancing England's road network for safer journeys.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on road safety and sustainability while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Project management accreditation or capability, with experience in leading complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Reporting into the Director of Enhancements, you will lead a segment of a Major Projects Programme; managing the performance of project teams, external contractors and consultants and ensuring adherence to effective governance, quality assurance, health and safety, technical and specialist standards across the supply chain and National Highways, to ensure successful delivery of agreed project outcomes and acting in line with mandatory and delegated responsibilities. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will oversee a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple locations, driving delivery excellence and strategic outcomes.
Acting as a key member of the Enhancements Leadership Team, you will actively contribute to the management and operation of the division, working closely with the Director of Enhancements and broader leadership team to support wider delivery and business management activities. Please note this role is based at the Guildford office location and will include regular travel to site.
- Continuous improvement of health and safety performance and wellbeing within your team and the delivery of key performance indicators (as a minimum) for health and safety of the relevant programme or project.
- Development and maintenance of effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with programme objectives.
- Delivery of the programme in accordance with National Highways governance; ensure approvals are granted, value for money is delivered, and realisation of project benefits with the Project Sponsor.
- Maintain compliance with the National Highways Portfolio, Programme and Project Management System (P3MS), clarifying roles and responsibilities within your team, and maintaining high standards for baseline management, the production of timely and accurate reports, and for creating and maintaining records.
- Deliver commercial, financial, and schedule performance for all relevant projects; maintain high standards for budgeting, forecasting, and contractual management and ensure the Quality Assurance and the overall integrity of the programme or project.
- Ensure the appointment of external delivery partners and consultants is in accordance with HE commercial governance.
About you:
- Hold or willing to attain certified project/programme management accreditation or demonstrate capability to achieve IPMA Level B (e.g., MSP Advanced Practitioner, APM).
- Professional accreditation as Full Member of APM (MAPM) or relevant body, or commitment to attain.
- Evidence of leadership on safety standards and implementation across multiple team structures in complex projects with a demonstrated ability to mentor and coach to develop project management talent.
- Practicing or willing to become an accredited medium/high-risk reviewer to support delivery assurance.
- Extensive experience leading people and teams to deliver complex, high-risk projects and high-profile change programmes within matrix organisations.
- Proven track record of managing complex stakeholder relationships and influencing for positive outcomes along with strong commercial acumen with expertise in negotiating and managing contracts to deliver outcomes and drive value for money.
About us:
Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership. Major Projects are responsible for major enhancements, complex renewals and 3rd party schemes on our road network. We make roads safer, journeys more reliable and unlock economic growth. At the same time, we seek out ways to create opportunities for sustainable travel, help nature to thrive and support our journey to net zero carbon. Our team work closely with the supply chain to design and construct road projects, as well as develop a pipeline of possible projects as we look to the future. Our skills span many areas from customer experts, land and property advisers to project management. We understand the potential that our road schemes can bring.
External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Programme Manager in Guildford employer: Highways England
National Highways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety, teamwork, and integrity are at the forefront of our mission to enhance England's road network. Based in Guildford, this role as Programme Manager provides opportunities for professional growth through leadership in complex projects, while fostering relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring adherence to high standards of governance and quality assurance. Our commitment to employee wellbeing and continuous improvement, alongside a focus on sustainable travel and economic growth, makes us a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Guildford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Highways England, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Programme Manager at Highways England.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Highways England
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
