At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic programs in cognitive warfare and manage client relationships.
- Company: OpenMinds, a pioneering defence technology company with a mission-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited vacation, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving field of cognitive warfare and strategic communications.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic communications and expertise in research-led program design.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
OpenMinds is a defence technology company operating at the frontier of cognitive defence and strategic intelligence. Founded in Ukraine at the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, OpenMinds emerged from the urgency and battlefield experience of the war. We have established ourselves in the UK and expanded internationally, while staying closely connected to the operational realities that continue to shape our work.
We deliver end-to-end capability across information environment assessment, audience research, synthetic testing, operational simulation, and campaign dissemination. We support 5 NATO-member state governments and 20+ defence primes worldwide. Our platforms were developed and validated under active warfare conditions across 600+ missions. In June 2026, OpenMinds placed 2nd of 93 companies in the NATO Innovation Challenge on Cognitive Warfare.
Join us to help democracies build resilience in the new arms race for cognitive warfare, and shape the future of defence with real-world impact.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead long-term programs at the intersection of research, open-source intelligence and strategic communications, in some of the world's most contested information environments. The role is based in London.
In this position, you will:
- Own a client program end to end - manage the client relationship, day-to-day communication, planning, delivery and reporting on results.
- Shape program strategy - conduct audience and vulnerability research, develop the narrative and communications approach, and define the impact evaluation framework the program is measured against.
- Coordinate the cross-functional team, resources and budget - collaborate with communications, research and engineering teams on program execution.
- Improve how the work runs - document SOPs and build AI workflows for the most time-heavy parts of program management.
- Represent OpenMinds with clients, partners and the wider sector in the UK at meetings, briefings, conferences and sector events.
You’ll be a strong fit if you have:
- 5+ years leading strategic communications programs, or programs in an adjacent field.
- A track record of building senior partner and stakeholder relationships.
- Expertise in impact evaluation and research-led program design.
- Education or experience in Social & Behavioural Sciences, Strategic Communications, International Politics, or a related field.
- Experience working within formal security and information-handling requirements.
We offer:
- A work culture that values focus, elegance, speed and experimentation, with deep roots in the philosophy of play (Huizinga, Hesse).
- Competitive market salary with room for performance-based progression.
- The chance to work on some of the most exciting and hardest problems in information operations and cognitive warfare, alongside a team and partner network operating at the frontier of the field.
- A genuine role in shaping the industry: OpenMinds contributes to emerging doctrine and policy, publishes frontier research, and speaks at leading conferences.
- HQs in London and Kyiv, and presence in key democratic capitals.
- Unlimited vacation and leave policies.
Senior Program Manager in London employer: Open minds institute
OpenMinds is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With unlimited PTO and a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful programs while engaging with a network of industry experts. Join us to make a meaningful contribution in the field of cognitive warfare and strategic communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Program Manager in London
✨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 Senior Program Manager at Open minds institute!
✨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 Open minds institute or be willing to refer you for that Senior Program Manager 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 Open minds institute who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Program Manager 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 Senior Program Manager role at Open minds institute!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Program Manager in London
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 Open minds institute. 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 Open minds institute
✨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 Open minds institute. 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!
