Data Programme Manager in Bedford

We have a new opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Data Programme Manager to join our Data team. As a leading UK life and pensions mutual insurer with a proud history dating back to 1843, we exist to help people live financially confident lives – protecting their income while they work and maximising it when they stop. Today, over one million members and customers trust us to look after their futures, families and finances. Joining us means becoming part of a team that puts our members, customers and advisers at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

You will play a pivotal leadership role shaping and delivering LV=’s Data transformation agenda, steering our strategic roadmap and driving complex, cross functional Data change that underpins our wider business strategy. The role is offered on either a permanent or fixed-term contract basis with regular office presence required in Bournemouth.

• Shape and prioritise the Data transformation roadmap, collaborating with senior leaders to define and sequence strategic Data workstreams.
• Ensure Data-related funding is accurately captured, estimated and secured through SI governance, partnering closely with Programme and Project Managers across the portfolio.
• Lead the delivery of complex Data programmes—cloud migrations, platform change, SCV development, lifecycle/retention initiatives and GDPR‑driven change—ensuring delivery within agreed cost, time and quality parameters.
• Provide strong governance across programmes, including risk, dependency and financial management, and report to senior forums.
• Lead and develop a team of specialist change professionals, including Technical BAs, BAs, Scrum Masters and Project Managers, and own the Technical BA capability and standards.
• Matrix‑manage Technology, Architecture and Platform teams and maintain strong working relationships with third‑party partners.
• Champion Agile and Scaled Agile ways of working within Data Engineering teams, supporting Program Increments and continuous delivery practices in line with the CIO framework.
• Drive improvements in Data delivery processes, project management best practice and adoption of consistent change methods across the Data Office.
• Support the Head of Data with resource optimisation and the ongoing development of LV=’s Data change capability.

• Significant experience delivering change within Data functions in medium–large organisations, with a track record across cloud migrations, data platform re‑engineering, SCV delivery, data lifecycle and GDPR-driven programmes.
• Proven ability to manage complex Data portfolios involving senior stakeholders, multiple suppliers and on/offshore delivery models.
• Strong programme and project management expertise, able to surface technical dependencies, assess infrastructure and application impacts, and design effective governance for complex change.
• Skilled in Agile, Scaled Agile, waterfall and hybrid delivery, with the ability to tailor approach and shape high‑quality roadmaps.
• Strong communication, facilitation, influencing and negotiation skills, with credibility at Executive leadership level.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving cultural change, including Agile and DevOps adoption.
• Excellent commercial awareness, problem‑solving ability and organisational skills.
• Proficient with AZDO, Jira, MS Office and project management tools.
• Relevant PM/Agile/Scrum/Scaled Agile qualifications (or equivalent experience).

This role is a Band C in the LV= Structure. At LV= Savings and Retirement, you’ll go above and beyond to do the right thing for our customers. We’ll reward your hard work with an attractive, competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:

• 30 days' holiday, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
• Competitive pension scheme - LV= Life and Pensions will double-match the amount you pay, up to 14% (subject to National Minimum Wage requirements).
• An annual bonus scheme based on personal performance.
• Single-cover private medical insurance (with the option for you to upgrade to family cover).
• Flexible benefits, including a cycle to work scheme, personal accident insurance, critical illness cover and dental insurance.
• Up to 20% discount on our life products for you and your immediate family.
• A group life assurance policy with 4 x your basic pay to go to your dependents (you’ll have the option to increase to 8 x cover).
• Group Income Protection (if you become a member of the Pension scheme and reach 5 years of service).
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for support when you need it.
• A virtual GP service.
• Shared parental leave.

Please note all salary sacrifice benefits are subject to National Minimum Wage requirements i.e. you are unable to select any benefits that would reduce your base pay below the minimum wage threshold. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK without our sponsorship for your application to be considered. We’re proud of our inclusive culture at LV= and, as an equal-opportunity employer, we continually work to remove unconscious bias from our recruitment process. We value our colleagues for what they bring to our team regardless of any protected status or characteristics they may have. Talk to us about flexible working as part of your application; if it’s right for you, our members and customers, and our business, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.