At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful people-centric programmes that shape organisational effectiveness.
- Company: Join Korn Ferry, a globally respected firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working options with travel to clients in London and Manchester.
- Why this job: Drive meaningful outcomes and lead complex programmes that affect communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme leadership and client-facing roles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: London or Manchester (with regular client travel)
Lead true People-centric People Strategy Programmes. This is not IT / Tech, it's all about shaping and leading organizational effectiveness by putting people at the heart of all thinking. At Korn Ferry, we help organisations redesign how work gets done. Within our Local Public Services (LPS) practice, we partner with councils and public bodies on some of the most complex and high‑profile workforce and organisational programmes in the UK.
As demand grows, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Principal to play a pivotal role in owning and leading large‑scale people centric programmes, bringing confidence, structure and pace to delivery – and enabling our senior leaders to focus on growth and impact.
The role
This is a true programme leadership role. You will take end‑to‑end ownership of complex client programmes, acting as the senior point of accountability for delivery, governance and client experience. You’ll work at the heart of significant agendas such as:
- Organisation design and local government reorganisation
- Job evaluation and work & career architecture
Critically, this role is about implementation, not just design – guiding clients through complexity, managing senior stakeholders, and ensuring programmes land successfully and commercially.
What you’ll be doing
- Owning and overseeing large, complex programmes (typically £250k–£2m+)
- Acting as the primary client lead, engaging confidently with Chief Executives, CPOs and senior officers
- Setting and managing programme governance, pacing, risk and delivery discipline
- Orchestrating multi‑disciplinary teams and knowing when to pull in senior partners
- Running multiple programmes where appropriate, flexing across scale and complexity
- Creating confidence – for clients, teams and internal stakeholders – that programmes are being delivered well
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who brings gravitas, judgement and calm authority. You’ll likely have:
- Strong experience leading complex programmes in consulting or similarly fast‑paced environments
- A track record of client‑facing programme ownership, not just technical delivery
- Confidence operating in ambiguous, politically sensitive or highly scrutinised environments
- The ability to see the big picture, while still keeping delivery on track
- Experience from Big Four, advisory, transformation or large‑scale public sector environments is essential
Public sector experience is helpful – but not a blocker. We’re open to people who can adapt quickly, build trust fast, and lead with confidence.
Why Korn Ferry?
- You’ll work on high-impact programmes that affect entire organisations and communities
- You’ll have real autonomy and visibility, with the backing of a globally respected firm
- You’ll help shape how our LPS practice scales and delivers its most complex work
- You’ll be part of a collaborative, values‑driven culture that invests in its people
Location & flexibility
London is our preference given client demand, but Manchester is also an option, and travel is expected as part of the role. We believe in being where our clients are – and supporting flexible, sustainable ways of working.
If you’re driven by complex programmes, meaningful outcomes and leadership at scale, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Senior Principal (People Centric Programmes) employer: Korn Ferry
At Korn Ferry, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and values-driven culture that prioritises the growth and development of our people. With opportunities to lead impactful programmes in dynamic environments like London and Manchester, you will enjoy real autonomy and visibility while shaping the future of local public services. Our commitment to flexible working ensures that you can thrive both professionally and personally, making a meaningful difference in communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal (People Centric Programmes)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Korn Ferry or similar firms. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Think about your past experiences leading complex programmes and how they relate to the role. We want to hear about your successes and how you navigated challenges – make it engaging and memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight how you create confidence and structure in your teams. Share examples of how you've managed multi-disciplinary teams and delivered successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Korn Ferry and being part of our mission to lead impactful programmes.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Principal (People Centric Programmes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading people-centric programmes. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about programme leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience in managing complex projects and engaging with senior stakeholders. We’re looking for confidence and gravitas, so let that shine through in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role. Remember, less is often more!
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 role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Korn Ferry!
How to prepare for a job interview at Korn Ferry
✨Understand the People-Centric Approach
Make sure you grasp what it means to lead people-centric programmes. Research Korn Ferry's approach to organisational effectiveness and be ready to discuss how you can put people at the heart of your strategies.
✨Showcase Your Programme Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led complex programmes. Highlight your ability to manage senior stakeholders and deliver results, especially in politically sensitive environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Engagement Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've engaged with high-level clients like Chief Executives and CPOs. Share instances where you've built trust quickly and navigated complex client relationships effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly and maintain delivery discipline, and be prepared to discuss your thought process.
