Program Manager in Reading

Program Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop PMO processes while managing customer implementation projects.
  • Company: Join Loftware, a leader in supply chain software solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing project delivery and mentoring future leaders.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in project management with strong leadership skills.

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

The Program Manager will play a critical role in establishing and maturing the PMO function within Professional Services and Customer Success. This individual will create and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), develop training materials, and set up governance and control mechanisms to ensure successful project delivery. The Program Manager will mentor and guide project managers, lead by example, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. In addition to PMO development, this role may directly manage some customer implementation projects, leveraging advanced project management methodologies and internal tools to deliver on-time, within scope, and on budget — consistently meeting customer expectations and contractual obligations.

Location: United Kingdom, Reading or Remote. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the PMO.
  • Develop training materials, onboarding plans, and playbooks to accelerate project manager ramp-up.
  • Establish governance frameworks, reporting cadence, and performance metrics to track PMO health and project outcomes.
  • Continuously assess and improve PMO processes for scalability, efficiency, TTV (Time to Value), and customer satisfaction.
  • Serve as a mentor and coach to project managers, promoting best practices and professional development.
  • Act as a role model, leading by example in communication, change management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Facilitate regular knowledge-sharing sessions to foster collaboration across the PMO team.
  • Simultaneously manage a portfolio of customer implementation projects from initiation through successful delivery.
  • Drive projects to meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality goals as defined in the Statement of Work (SOW).
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams and internal resources, removing roadblocks and escalating risks as necessary.
  • Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provide remote and on-site leadership for project team by building and motivating team members to meet project goals, adhering to their responsibilities and project milestones.
  • Define success criteria and disseminate them to involved team members throughout project life cycle.
  • Assure that sound project management processes are established and maintained.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 8+ years of experience in project/program management within Professional Services, Customer Success, or a PMO function.
  • Proven track record of building PMO processes and establishing governance.
  • Expertise in project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, or hybrid).
  • Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with a focus on developing high-performing teams.
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred:

  • PMP, PgMP, or PMI-ACP, Scrum master certification strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Salesforce.com and Financial Force (PSA), project portfolio management systems, Qlik and reporting dashboards.
  • Familiarity with SaaS or technology implementation projects.
  • Moderate competency with software programs to manage projects, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Microsoft Project, Jira, and related specification documents.
  • Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the big picture and align PMO initiatives with business goals.
  • Change Agent: Skilled at driving process adoption and continuous improvement.
  • Customer Focus: Committed to delivering value and superior customer experience.
  • Mentor & Leader: Builds trust, empowers team members, and models professional excellence.

At Loftware, inclusion, diversity, and belonging are paramount to our success and our culture. We are an equal opportunities employer. This means we are committed to recruiting qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential.

Program Manager in Reading employer: Loftware

Loftware is an excellent employer that prioritises innovation and operational excellence in the cloud services sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a talented team while enjoying flexible working arrangements in the UK. The competitive salary and supportive work culture make Loftware a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions in their careers.

L

Contact Details:

Loftware Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Program Manager in Reading

✨Get Involved in Industry Events

Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!

✨Engage in Professional Networks

Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Loftware.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Loftware.

✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.

We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager in Reading

Project Management
PMO Development
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Governance Frameworks
Training Material Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Agile Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!

Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Loftware.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Loftware. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!

Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!

How to prepare for a job interview at Loftware

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Loftware, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.

✨Brush Up on Management Theories

Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Loftware, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.

✨Craft Your Vision for the Company

Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Loftware could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.

✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture

In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Loftware as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.