Programme Lead

Programme Lead

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Kanzlei Ganz Gärtner Lindberg Slania

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-value projects and programmes, ensuring client satisfaction and strategic success.
  • Company: Join a leading digital experience agency with a vibrant and collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovative projects and mentoring future leaders.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management, strong commercial acumen, and excellent people skills.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and industry leadership.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The Programme Lead is pivotal in driving Manifesto's commercial, client, and strategic success, cementing our position as a leading digital experience agency. Reporting to the Programme Director or the Head of Project Management, this role shapes and delivers our most complex and high‑value projects and programmes. The Programme Lead plays a dual role: delivering excellence in client engagements while contributing to Manifesto's broader strategic goals. This role requires working in the business and on the business, actively contributing to critical forums and sharing insights to identify risks, opportunities, and solutions. While most of your time will be billable, adequate time will be allocated for non‑billable responsibilities that align with our strategic goals.

Project and programme management can encompass various change and transformation initiatives, differing in complexity, budget, and strategic alignment. This role will focus on high‑value, high‑complexity initiatives and act as a role model, mentor, and sounding board for the broader team.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver projects and programmes that meet or exceed success KPIs, including budget, time, scope, quality, and client satisfaction.
  • Proactively identify and resolve risks and issues to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Contribute to commercial success by meeting revenue forecasts and ensuring profitability across projects.
  • Build strong, effective relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and trust and make a positive contribution to our client NPS.

Project and Programme Delivery

  • Lead the day‑to‑day management of high‑value projects and programmes using agreed methodologies, ensuring alignment with client objectives and Manifesto's standards.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation and reporting to provide transparency and accountability.
  • Proactively manage project over‑burns and ensure profitability aligns with forecasts.
  • Ensure seamless onboarding and off‑boarding of projects, providing smooth handovers where applicable.

Client Engagement

  • Develop a deep understanding of client organisations, identifying opportunities to improve customer and supporter experiences.
  • Build and nurture excellent client relationships through regular engagement and on‑site meetings.
  • Collaborate with Client Services and project teams to deliver cohesive, impactful solutions and build and maintain long‑lasting partnerships with clients.
  • Actively contribute to new business opportunities, including proposals, pitches, and content development.

Leadership and Collaboration

  • Role‑model agreed ways of working and behaviours as detailed by the Head of Project Management and wider Leadership Team.
  • Mentor and coach junior team members, providing timely and constructive feedback to foster growth and development.
  • Facilitate sessions on Agile ways of working and other internal and external delivery‑related topics.
  • Act as a proactive voice and leader within Manifesto's delivery community, contributing to Communities of Practice, thought leadership, marketing material and company forums.

Continuous Improvement

  • Adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and optimisation across all areas of delivery.
  • Deepen knowledge of the digital experience sector and Manifesto's service offerings to stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Contribute to governance and reporting forums, offering insights and recommendations to enhance working methods.
  • Produce and promote marketing content through thought leadership, blogs, and social media.

Problem solving responsibility and complexity

The Programme Lead solves multi‑layered, high‑impact problems that involve client expectations, project delivery risks, team dynamics, and strategic organisational goals. Complexity arises from the scale, ambiguity, and stakeholder diversity involved.

Change management requirements

Support change across clients, teams, and processes, combining delivery expertise with influence, coaching, and a mindset of continuous improvement.

Internal / External Interactions

  • Programme Director
  • Head of Project Management
  • Senior leaders in Manifesto
  • Project managers, designers, developers, client service teams, growth team
  • Communities of Practice
  • Clients

Strategic timeframe working towards: 1‑3‑year business plan

About You

Professional knowledge and experience. Essential Criteria

  • Significant experience in project and programme management within an agency environment.
  • Strong commercial acumen, with a deep understanding of the relationship between profitable delivery and agency success.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and take a programmatic view to shape the best outcomes for clients.
  • Accreditation or practical knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and programme methodologies.
  • Highly emotionally intelligent, confident, and outgoing, thriving in busy, people‑oriented environments.
  • Self‑starter with the resilience to work in ambiguous, fast‑paced situations.
  • Passionate about delivery excellence and unlocking potential in client relationships.
  • Proven experience supporting new business development and leading delivery elements in proposals and pitches.
  • Skilled in coaching and supporting junior team members, fostering a high‑performance culture.
  • Expertise in facilitating workshops and sessions on delivery methodologies.
  • Familiarity with industry‑standard tools for project and programme management.
  • Knowledge of emerging trends in digital experience transformation.

Technical skills

  • Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe)
  • Waterfall project management
  • Programme and portfolio management frameworks
  • Risk identification, mitigation, and resolution
  • Use of project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, MS Project, Trello)
  • Reporting and documentation standards
  • Change management processes and tools
  • Client relationship management and stakeholder engagement
  • Workshop and session facilitation (especially Agile coaching)

Behaviours

  • Proactive and resilient takes full ownership of project outcomes while fostering collaboration and trust among clients and teams.
  • Demonstrates strong commercial awareness, emotional intelligence, and a client‑centric mindset.
  • Committed to continuous improvement and mentorship, driving both individual and organisational growth.
  • Acts as a thought leader by sharing expertise and influencing positive change within the business and industry.

PACT values

  • Purpose – The beating heart of our organisation, the impact we make on people, places, and the planet. Purpose is our driving force and at the core of our organisation.
  • Accountability – As we apply flexibility, pace and growth through our self‑organisation, we are accountable to all of our stakeholders.
  • Craft – Craft highlights our dedication to bringing precision, problem‑solving, and creativity to our work, both with our clients and internally.
  • Togetherness – Togetherness is how we work – it captures the energy, fun, and user‑centred approach that we embrace. It signifies the collaborative spirit we bring to our work, including people at every level and creating a sense of belonging to our teams.

Programme Lead employer: Kanzlei Ganz Gärtner Lindberg Slania

At Manifesto, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Programme Lead, you will not only drive high-value projects but also have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, contributing to their growth while enjoying a supportive environment that values continuous improvement and accountability. Located in a dynamic digital experience agency, we provide our employees with the tools and resources needed to excel, ensuring a fulfilling career path in a fast-paced, people-oriented setting.
Kanzlei Ganz Gärtner Lindberg Slania

Contact Detail:

Kanzlei Ganz Gärtner Lindberg Slania Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Programme Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it relates to the Programme Lead role. Highlight your successes in project management and client engagement to demonstrate your fit for the position.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead

Project Management
Programme Management
Agile Methodologies
Waterfall Methodologies
Commercial Acumen
Client Relationship Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Change Management
Workshop Facilitation
Emotional Intelligence
Coaching and Mentoring
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Documentation and Reporting Standards
Use of Project Management Tools

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Lead role. Highlight your experience in project and programme management, especially within an agency environment, and show how your skills align with our values at StudySmarter.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered successful projects. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like exceeding KPIs or improving client satisfaction.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value emotional intelligence and a client-centric mindset, so don’t hesitate to share your passion for delivery excellence and how you build strong relationships.

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 Programme Lead position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kanzlei Ganz Gärtner Lindberg Slania

Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects and programmes you've managed. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your decisions on client satisfaction and project success.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Demonstrate your understanding of the relationship between profitable delivery and agency success. Prepare examples that highlight how you've contributed to revenue forecasts and profitability in past roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Emphasise Your Leadership Skills

As a Programme Lead, you'll be expected to mentor and coach junior team members. Share experiences where you've successfully led teams, facilitated workshops, or contributed to a high-performance culture. This will show your potential to be a role model within the company.

Be Ready for Change Management Scenarios

Expect questions around change management and how you've supported clients through transitions. Prepare to discuss your approach to identifying risks and opportunities, and how you've influenced positive change in previous projects.

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