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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in the Suffolk Resilience programme, ensuring projects meet business and regulatory goals.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on sustainable water resource management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant stakeholder engagement and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of major infrastructure projects that shape the future of water resources.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and a strong understanding of UK DCO planning processes.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
As Senior Programme Lead, you will provide clear strategic leadership and governance across the Suffolk Resilience programme, ensuring all projects deliver against business priorities, WRMP commitments, and regulatory requirements. You will oversee a suite of major water resource and network initiatives, ensuring each is aligned, well‑managed, and progressed to meet OFWAT milestones and internal expectations. You will take end‑to‑end responsibility for programme performance—tracking progress, managing risk and budget, coordinating and developing resources, and driving effective stakeholder engagement. As the senior escalation point, you will offer challenge, guidance, and decisive support to keep delivery on track and within agreed parameters. A key focus will be the North Suffolk Winter Storage Reservoir, a £1.6bn Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project requiring progressing a DCO consenting strategy and to be procured through Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC).
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Programme Oversight
- Lead the overall health and performance of the Suffolk Resilience programme, ensuring delivery against scope, budgets, schedules, and benefits.
- Maintain oversight of programme risks, interdependencies, and adaptive pathway decisions.
- Drive monthly reviews and support governance submissions at Project level with NWG Governance groups.
- Coordinate portfolio reviews, executive reporting, and decision‑making materials.
- Ensure compliance with OFWAT reporting and NWG Water governance frameworks.
- Lead RAPID and Large Scheme gated submissions, from preparation to final sign‑off.
- Act as senior escalation point, resolving issues and making informed decisions under delegated authority.
- Serve as the visible face of the programme, representing Capital Delivery at the AMP8 Water Resources Steering Group.
- Engage senior internal stakeholders including Director‑level sponsors, Procurement, Capital Delivery, Finance, Regulatory, Strategy, and Operations.
- Manage consistent engagement with external stakeholders: OFWAT, EA, Natural England, local authorities, landowners, statutory consultees, and community groups.
- Attend sector All‑Company Working Groups and support the Project DCO Leadership Group.
- Ensure all engagement aligns with Communications and Engagement Plans for each scheme.
- Lead and support Project Managers delivering individual workstreams.
- Ensure consistent delivery standards, effective collaboration, and alignment across the portfolio.
- Provide challenge, guidance, and direction to maintain delivery momentum and quality.
Requirements:
- Experienced programme/portfolio professional with a strong background in project, programme, or portfolio delivery.
- Proven ability to oversee complex, multi‑project portfolios with robust governance and effective risk/issue management.
- Strong understanding and demonstrable experience of the UK DCO planning process, ideally within the Water Sector and funding models for major schemes, including DPC.
- Strong understanding of the Conservation of Species and Habitats Regulations and how they impact on DCO projects.
- Good working knowledge of OFWAT’s RAPID governance process for large water infrastructure.
FULL RIGHT TO WORK WITHIN THE UK WITHOUT SPONSORSHIP REQUIRED
Senior Programme Manager employer: Long O Donnell Associates Limited
Contact Detail:
Long O Donnell Associates Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager
✨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 to reach out to professionals already working in programme management. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals, challenges, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Senior Programme Manager. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and your ability to manage complex projects effectively.
✨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 about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in programme management, especially in the water sector. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities. Use specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in complex environments.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Experience: Engagement with various stakeholders is key for this role. Share instances where you've effectively communicated and collaborated with internal and external parties, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Long O Donnell Associates Limited
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Suffolk Resilience programme. Understand its goals, challenges, and how it aligns with business priorities. Being able to discuss specific projects, like the North Suffolk Winter Storage Reservoir, will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership and governance experience. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed complex portfolios or resolved issues under pressure. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and support project managers effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement. Share experiences where you’ve effectively communicated with internal and external stakeholders, especially in regulatory contexts. This is crucial for a role that requires collaboration with groups like OFWAT and local authorities.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Brush up on your knowledge of the UK DCO planning process and OFWAT’s RAPID governance. Be prepared to discuss how these frameworks impact project delivery. Showing that you’re well-versed in these areas will set you apart as a candidate who can navigate the complexities of the role.