At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting projects to enhance operational efficiency and achieve strategic goals.
- Company: Join LPPA, a multi-award-winning pension administration company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, generous holiday, and health plans.
- Other info: Flexible working options with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston)
As we grow our Change Team, we are looking to welcome a Programme Manager to LPPA.
In this exciting new role, you will be responsible for the delivery of the LPPA Service Improvement programme, managing appropriate resources to ensure timely delivery whilst maintaining a commercial mindset.
You will be responsible for planning and designing the programme, proactively monitoring its progress, resolving issues, and initiating appropriate corrective action.
Reporting to our Head of Delivery, you will work closely with LPPA executives, managers, and suppliers to scope, plan, manage, and deliver all aspects of the project lifecycle for key programmes of work that are critical to LPPA achieving its strategic goals and objectives.
Salary
Salary circa £55k – 65k DOE + Annual Bonus. Shortlisting will begin in early January 2026, with interviews thereafter.
- Key accountabilities include
- Develop and manage all aspects of project and programme engagement from planning, external vendor relationships, communications, resources, budgets, changes, risks, and issues
- Provide status reporting regarding project milestones, deliverables, dependencies, risks, and issues, communicating across leadership
- Understand interdependencies between technology, operations, and business needs
- Deliver a service improvement programme of work aligned with the LPPA business plan to enhance operational efficiency
- Ensure clear communications across all projects for delivery, output, and benefits realisation
- A bit about us
Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) is a multi‑award‑winning organisation and one of the UK’s leading pension administration companies.
We strive to deliver the best experience for over 2,100 employers and more than 700,000 members of Local Government, Police, and Firefighter pension schemes, keeping them fully informed about their pensions whilst working closely with employers to continuously educate and support them.
- What we can offer you
- Competitive salary £55k – 65k DOE & inclusion in annual bonus scheme
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays and 2 additional concessionary days and a half day for your Birthday, with the ability to buy and sell leave
- Access to an excellent pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contributions
- Access to Health or Dental Plan
- Access to our Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for when you or your family might need some support
- Access to our bespoke Reward Discount Scheme – ‘Your Perk Site’
- Opportunities to attend wellbeing webinars and social events
- Daily free fruit and snacks available to you in our office
- Free Car Parking in Preston City Centre
- What you’ll be doing
- Full project life cycle ownership: successful project delivery will include end‑to‑end implementation from initiation to deployment across key strategic programmes and projects, delivered on time, to budget and to quality, with appropriate governance, effective resource management, comprehensive project planning and reporting, and proactive management of key dependencies and risks
- Production of business cases and benefits realisation for projects, alongside the end‑to‑end management of the delivery of approved change and projects in line with LPPA’s project management methodology
- Provide on‑site leadership for projects by building and motivating all project team members to meet project goals, adhering to their responsibilities and project milestones to ensure best in class
- Manage all aspects of multiple programmes and projects to ensure the overall programme is aligned with and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives
- Manage programme reporting by creating a method for monitoring progress across the company’s programmes, improving efficiency and updating programme sponsors and stakeholders
- Manage all projects in line with agreed budgetary requirements
- Share knowledge and best practices by coaching and mentoring the project team to be the best in class
- Manage, build, and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, identify business needs, monitor progress and results, recognise and capitalise on improvement opportunities, and adapt to competing demands, organisational changes, and new responsibilities
- Manage resources across multiple projects, ensuring each project has the necessary resources to succeed
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the projects stay on track and meet their objectives
- What we need from you
- Proven ability to successfully deliver multiple programmes/projects in a fast‑paced environment, on time, on schedule, and within budget
- Excellent leadership skills, proven track record of managing, developing, and coaching project managers
- Works creatively and analytically in a problem‑solving environment, demonstrating teamwork, innovation, and excellence
- Experience leading, motivating, and managing project and programme teams of varying sizes, including internal and external resources, while holding teams accountable for performance
- The ability to build and maintain relationships by engaging business leaders to establish credibility, solve problems, build consensus, and achieve objectives
- Excellent leadership, communication (written, verbal, and presentation) and interpersonal skills
- Self‑motivated, decisive, with the ability to adapt to change and competing demands
- Experience drafting and submitting budget proposals and recommending subsequent budget changes where necessary
- Strong experience presenting to executive sponsors and demonstrable communication skills, both written and oral, with technical and non‑technical staff at all levels of management
- Flexible with proven ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines through analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
- Technically competent with various project management methodologies
- Nice to have
- Working with and upholding our values
- Working together
- Committed to excellence
- Doing the right thing
- Forward thinking
- Seniority level
- Associate
- Employment type
- Full‑time
- Job function
- Management and Project Management
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston) employer: LPPA Pensions
At Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA), we pride ourselves on being a supportive and collaborative employer, dedicated to the growth and development of our team members. As a Development Centre Delivery Lead, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a vibrant work culture that values continuous improvement and employee wellbeing. With opportunities for professional development and a focus on creating impactful learning experiences, LPPA is an excellent place to build a meaningful career in the heart of Preston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston)
✨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 Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston) at LPPA Pensions!
✨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 LPPA Pensions or be willing to refer you for that Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston) 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 LPPA Pensions who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston) 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 Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston) role at LPPA Pensions!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Hybrid or Remote with regular travel to Preston)
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 LPPA Pensions. 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 LPPA Pensions
✨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 LPPA Pensions. 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!