At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects and drive agile operating model changes across the business.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Merlin, focused on innovation and family engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformation in a tech-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in operating model transformation and agile frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
To bring every family closer through play. Merlin is entering an ambitious phase of business transformation, driving sustainable growth through significant advances in technology capability. Reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer, the Senior Programme Manager for Operating Model Evolution will play a critical role in driving the structured delivery of agile operating model transformation. This role will oversee the implementation of change, working closely with executive and senior stakeholders to ensure benefits are realised and initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to strategic goals.
If you’re excited by working at scale, navigating complexity, and delivering meaningful impact, read on.
What you’ll be doing:
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Define and lead the delivery strategy for operating model evolution (including agile delivery), ensuring alignment with transformation priorities and business objectives.
- Support the development of an Operating Model blueprint, ensuring all incremental changes and launches align to a clear long-term vision.
- Lead organisational change management initiatives to successfully embed operating model changes across the business.
- Drive continuous improvement across delivery practices, methodologies, and tools to enhance effectiveness and scalability.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
- Drive alignment across teams and initiatives to ensure cohesive delivery of priorities and outcomes.
- Work in close partnership with cross-functional teams to execute operating model changes seamlessly.
- Engage and influence key stakeholders to maintain alignment, mitigate risks, and unblock delivery.
- Delivery Excellence
- Define and maintain effective delivery frameworks, governance, and quality standards.
- Champion agile ways of working to improve speed, flexibility, and outcomes.
- Oversee and mitigate risks and dependencies across the programme.
- Ensure all initiatives meet security, privacy, and regulatory obligations.
- Business Impact & Metrics
- Establish and monitor KPIs to assess and enhance delivery performance.
- Optimise delivery efficiency and cost effectiveness at scale.
- Report on progress, risks, and outcomes to senior stakeholders and executive leadership.
Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive experience leading Operating Model transformation in complex, tech-enabled environments.
- Strong background working with operational teams in multi-site organisations.
- Expert knowledge of agile and scaled agile frameworks.
- Sector experience in entertainment, hospitality, or consumer-facing digital businesses preferred.
- Proven ability to influence and manage executive stakeholders in complex environments.
Benefits
Pay Range Competitive
Senior Programme Manager employer: Merlin
At Merlin, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Programme Manager in our London office, you will be at the forefront of transformative initiatives, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive pay and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Merlin can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Merlin; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Merlin.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Merlin and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Merlin's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
