Senior Programme Manager (Senior Consultant) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newtrality Programme Managers are the backbone of successful delivery. With between 5-10 years’ experience, they are versed in leading a set of both dependent and interdependent projects and programmes, ensuring quality delivery against time-boxed and budget targets. We see a Senior Programme Manager as someone who can work confidently within ambiguity, and from which build out something tangible, actionable and positive for our clients and their residents. Oversight of programmes ranges from initial set up and mobilisation, through to review and reset and include governance set up and reporting mechanisms both for the client and internally. Programme managers are accountable for ensuring delivery against agreed milestones, deliverables and desired outcomes. Programme managers are expected to work across projects that span directorates always ensuring alignment with agreed scope and output. The role demands a balance of strategic thinking and operational grip. Programme managers are responsible for sustaining engagement with stakeholders, surfacing and mitigating risks, and creating the conditions for effective, high-quality delivery and assurance, ensuring projects and programmes are delivered on time, in budget with the correct resources.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of programme and project plans, sequencing and mapping dependencies.
• Quality delivery of complex programmes and workstreams, to time and budget using Newtrality governance and reporting mechanisms.
• Monitoring of programme progress at agreed intervals, escalating where appropriate and adhering to success metrics.
• Effective management and control of resources and project costs or overheads (consultants and client teams).
• Provision of timely updates internally and externally, ensuring the right level of information is provided, providing input into our wider PMO / Programme Management practice.
• Contribution to our programme management practice development (e.g. iteration of tools and techniques, reporting mechanisms retros and coaching colleagues across the business).
• Model collaborative, inclusive, and outcome-focused behaviours that support effective cross-practice working and adhere to business priorities and support growth.
• Champion our Guiding Principles, ensuring they form the basis of all decisions.

What experience are we looking for?

Our whole team and our network of partners have a huge variety in background and experience, and we think this adds to what makes us different. For this role, we are looking for someone who embodies robust but flexible programme management approaches, who ideally has a background in delivering complex, impact-driven change in public sector services, or consultancy (both employed and freelance). Ambiguity is consistent throughout our work, and all our colleagues are able to work, navigate and live within grey areas – it’s where we do our best work.

About Newtrality

At Newtrality, we’re a scaling change and transformation consultancy, focused on delivering meaningful change within Local Authorities and the wider public sector. We bring practical, lived experience and deep expertise – the kind that other consultancies often fail to provide. It’s what sets us apart in the sector. As we grow, our people are the vehicle for our success. We work with the best experts in the field, thrive in ambiguity, and deliver bespoke, high-impact solutions for every client we partner with.

What We Do

Our work spans a wide range of transformation and improvement programmes. We have broad capabilities and deep sector experience, supporting clients through:

• Local Government Reorganisation programmes
• ERP implementations
• Programme recovery and strategic transformations
• Strategy formulation and target operating model design
• Organisation‑wide and service‑driven change and policy initiatives

We’re proud of our strong track record in helping authorities deliver better outcomes for their residents – practical, realistic and future‑proofed. Our mission is simple: to be the go‑to, partner of choice for local government, known for our successful delivery, innovation, integrity, and the tangible impact of our work.

How We Work

We’re guided by three principles that shape everything we do – from client delivery to how we run our business:

• Customer – how we serve and innovate for the people we exist for
• Commercial – how we create and protect value
• Culture – how we work together and get things done

We take a hybrid working approach, balancing flexibility with connection. While much of our work can be done from anywhere in the UK, travel to client sites (typically 1-2 days per week) is part of what keeps us connected and effective.

Why Join Us

We’re growing fast - our client base, reputation, and opportunities are expanding rapidly as our work becomes increasingly complex and impactful within the sector. This is an exciting time to join a consultancy that’s doing things differently. If you’re looking for:

• A hands‑on role where your expertise shapes real outcomes
• The chance to work with and learn from sector leaders
• A culture that values authenticity, innovation, and doing the right thing

…then this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Beyond Delivery

Outside of our client‑facing work, we’re proud to partner with Tile Hill to deliver the Different programme – a national leadership development initiative designed to support and accelerate the growth of Future Leaders from minority backgrounds across the sector. This partnership reflects who we are – rooted in purpose and driven by shared commitment to equity, excellence, and meaningful change.

Working With Us

• Hybrid working with travel to client sites when needed
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays, including Christmas shutdown)
• Monthly team away days
• A supportive, values‑led culture focused on growth and balance
• Competitive pay and benefits (currently under review)

Interview Process

Initial screening call with Resourcing & People Manager (video call). First stage interview with experience led questions with one of our directors (video call), themes of questions and job description will be provided. Final Stage interview with CEO & MD (video call / in‑person where practical). Our initial screening calls will occur both whilst the job advert is still live, and after the closing date for the role. Unsuccessful applications may be provided feedback where possible prior to the closing date. We aim to provide feedback post‑screening call and interview within 3 working days.

Newtrality is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexualities, races, religions, and abilities. Recruitment decisions are made fairly, transparently, and without bias, in line with our Equality, Diversity & Equal Opportunities Policy. We are dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion at every stage of our work.