At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic team while overseeing complex programmes in a tech-savvy environment.
- Company: Established software company powering essential services for millions across the UK.
- Benefits: Up to £80,000 salary, hybrid working, 25 days leave, health cash plan, and more.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy, continuous learning, and the chance to influence technical strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by untangling complexities and building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme leadership with strong communication and emotional intelligence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Full-time, Permanent
Location: Poole, Dorset (hybrid working)
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum DOE + Benefits
The Opportunity:
This is a chance to lead the Programme Delivery function in a well-established software company whose platforms power essential services used by millions of people across the UK every single day. You will take on a capable team, strong existing customer relationships, and a genuinely varied portfolio of programmes. Some are in good shape. Others need fresh eyes, honest conversations, and a steady hand to cut through the complexity. If you enjoy untangling tricky situations, building trust with people, developing your team, and actually making things happen, this could be a really rewarding role.
Why This Role Stands Out:
- Salary up to £80,000 per annum (may be slightly negotiable depending on experience)
- Annual salary reviews with regular market benchmarking
- Hybrid working - 1 day per week remote from home
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme with employer contribution and matched enhancements
- Health Cash Plan including 24/7 GP access, dental and optical cover
- Death in Service cover (4x salary)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid volunteering days
- Discretionary bonus
- Modern office environment and collaborative culture
- Team events, knowledge sharing and continuous learning opportunities
- High levels of autonomy, trust and ownership
- Structured training and development opportunities to help you grow
- The opportunity to influence technical strategy within a growing technology business
What the Head of Programme Will Do:
- Lead, mentor and develop the programme delivery team
- Oversee multiple complex programmes and integration projects
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with customers
- Work closely with Product, Engineering, Sales and Commercial teams to align priorities and manage expectations
- Spot risks early, challenge constructively, and clear obstacles
- Improve ways of working without adding unnecessary process or bureaucracy
- Provide clear, honest reporting and communication at all levels
What You’ll Bring:
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Programme, Senior Programme Manager or Delivery Leader who combines solid delivery expertise with strong judgement and emotional intelligence. You’ll most likely have:
- Experience leading programme or project teams in a software, technology or complex delivery environment
- A proven track record delivering complex programmes with multiple stakeholders
- Confidence communicating with customers, senior leaders and technical teams
- The ability to handle ambiguity, shifting priorities and competing demands
- Good commercial awareness and an understanding of how to balance customer needs with business realities
- A collaborative, pragmatic leadership style focused on trust, accountability and developing people
- Enough technical curiosity to understand systems, integrations and dependencies
Why You Should Apply:
This role won’t suit everyone. If you thrive in very structured environments where everything is predictable, it probably isn’t the right fit. But if you enjoy bringing clarity to complexity, building strong relationships, having honest conversations, and seeing programmes through to successful outcomes, you’ll find real purpose here. You’ll have genuine influence and the chance to make a visible impact alongside people who genuinely care about what they do.
If this sounds interesting, apply now or get in touch with me, Michelle at Leo Recruitment, for a confidential conversation. You don’t need a perfect CV - we’d rather just have a chat.
Head of Programmes employer: Leo Recruitment Limited
At Leo Recruitment Limited, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Head of Product, you will not only lead a talented team but also have access to exceptional growth opportunities within the rapidly evolving software industry. With a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee development, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Programmes at Leo Recruitment Limited!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Leo Recruitment Limited or be willing to refer you for that Head of Programmes position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Leo Recruitment Limited who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Programmes star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Programmes role at Leo Recruitment Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Leo Recruitment Limited. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leo Recruitment Limited
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Leo Recruitment Limited. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
