At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major infrastructure programme with end-to-end accountability and team management.
- Company: Join a prestigious firm delivering a nationally significant infrastructure project.
- Benefits: Enjoy long-term stability, executive sponsorship, and the chance to make a national impact.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a high-value programme and shape its legacy for future generations.
- Qualifications: 15-20+ years in complex projects, strong leadership, and commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Ideal for calm leaders with experience in regulated environments like energy or transport.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
We are supporting a client delivering a once-in-a-generation UK infrastructure programme, now fully authorised and moving into large-scale construction. This is a senior Programme Manager role with end-to-end accountability for the delivery of a major, complex portfolio of systems and assets, valued in excess of Β£1bn. The programme sits within a highly regulated, politically visible environment and will have a long-term national legacy.
This role offers genuine ownership, scale and authority β suited to an experienced programme leader who has already operated under intense scrutiny and understands what it takes to maintain control of safety, cost, risk and schedule across multiple interdependent projects.
The Programme Manager will lead the full lifecycle delivery (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning) of a major infrastructure portfolio, managing a team of 10β30 Senior Project Managers and Project Managers. You will be accountable for integrating multiple complex workstreams, managing significant interfaces, and ensuring delivery against agreed safety, quality, time and cost objectives.
The role requires confident leadership within complex governance structures, regular engagement with senior stakeholders, and the ability to make sound, defensible decisions in environments where information is incomplete and pressure is high.
Key Responsibilities- End-to-end leadership of a major infrastructure programme or portfolio
- Direct leadership, coaching and performance management of senior project teams
- Oversight of programme cost, schedule, quality, risk and change
- Management of complex interfaces, dependencies and third-party contributions
- Establishing and maintaining effective delivery systems, controls and reporting
- Clear, authoritative communication with senior stakeholders and governance forums
- Proactive identification and resolution of delivery risks and issues
- Shaping and mobilising delivery capability as the programme evolves
- Ensuring effective handover and readiness as project elements complete
This role will suit a calm, credible and delivery-focused programme leader with a track record in major infrastructure or capital programmes. You are likely to bring:
- 15β20+ yearsβ experience in complex projects or programmes
- Personal accountability for large-scale programmes or portfolios (not just workstreams)
- Experience leading large teams of senior project professionals
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Experience operating within complex governance involving regulators, government or JV partners
- The ability to translate technical complexity into clear decisions
- Confidence to challenge senior peers and executives constructively
- A composed leadership style that commands respect through delivery
- An engineering, project or technical foundation is expected. Experience in highly regulated environments (e.g. energy, nuclear, transport, utilities, defence) will be advantageous.
Ownership of a high-value, complex programme with national significance. Genuine authority and scale, rather than a diluted matrix role. Long-term programme stability and executive-level sponsorship. A delivery challenge focused on legacy, safety and excellence.
If you are interested to find out more, get in touch for a confidential chat!
Progamme Manager in City of London employer: Kenton Black
Contact Detail:
Kenton Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Progamme Manager in City of London
β¨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. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Programme Manager role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the infrastructure sector. We want you to walk into that interview room with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed complex projects and led teams effectively. We believe that demonstrating your ability to handle pressure and make sound decisions will set you apart from the competition.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Weβre here to support you in landing that high-value Programme Manager position, so take advantage of every opportunity we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Progamme Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Programme Manager role. Highlight your leadership in complex projects and any experience with large teams, as this is what weβre looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why youβre the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for infrastructure projects and how your past experiences have prepared you to take on this significant challenge.
Showcase Your Achievements: Donβt just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how youβve successfully managed large-scale programmes and delivered results under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black
β¨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the major infrastructure programme. Understand its goals, challenges, and the stakeholders involved. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in high-pressure situations. Share examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and complex projects, focusing on your ability to maintain control over safety, cost, and schedule.
β¨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Since this role involves navigating complex governance structures, brush up on your knowledge of regulatory environments. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with senior stakeholders and made sound decisions under scrutiny.
β¨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you've proactively identified and resolved delivery risks. Use these examples to demonstrate your ability to manage complex interfaces and dependencies, showcasing your strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.