At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major infrastructure programme with end-to-end accountability and team management.
- Company: Join a leading firm delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Long-term stability, executive sponsorship, and a chance to make a national impact.
- Why this job: Own a high-value programme that shapes the future of UK infrastructure.
- Qualifications: 15-20+ years in complex projects, strong leadership, and commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Ideal for calm leaders with experience in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 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 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 London
β¨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 Programme Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to programme management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of leading large-scale infrastructure projects. Confidence is key!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've managed teams and navigated complex projects. Highlight your ability to make tough decisions under pressure β that's what they'll want to hear.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Progamme Manager in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects and leading teams. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in similar environments, and donβt forget to mention your leadership style and how you handle complex governance.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just listing duties. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like cost savings or project delivery times. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super easy to do!
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 Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of specific instances where you had to make tough decisions or manage risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
β¨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Highlight your experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and managing governance structures. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex interfaces and dependencies, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.