At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic programmes and drive impactful change within a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Openwork, a leader in financial services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension matching, and 27 days holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by leading high-impact projects and shaping team culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive programme management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 84000 £ per year.
As Programme Manager, you’ll be accountable for the successful delivery of Openwork’s most important strategic programmes, driving real change that enables our Value Creation Plan. You’ll lead complex, high‑impact programmes, motivate large cross‑functional teams, and provide strong leadership to Project Managers within the Change & Transformation function. You’ll also help shape the culture, capability and ways of working of our Change team by leading one or more 'practice' pillars. This role is hybrid working, 3 days a week from the Swindon office.
The benefits:
- Salary - £65,000 to £84,000
- Bonus scheme - on target bonus - 15%
- Pension scheme - contribute up to 5% of your salary and Openwork will match you and put in an extra 5%
- Critical illness cover
- Income protection
- Death in service - 4x salary
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy up to an additional 10 days
- A range of other flexible benefits to include private medical insurance, dental insurance and much more.
Key Accountabilities:
- Own and lead end‑to‑end delivery of strategic programmes, ensuring clear objectives, governance and successful outcomes
- Establish and drive delivery frameworks, including roadmaps, KPIs, reporting, and proactive management of budgets, risks and dependencies
- Act as the main point of contact for programme delivery, removing blockers and keeping senior stakeholders informed
- Lead and develop cross‑functional teams, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance environment and managing conflict effectively
- Manage inter‑programme dependencies and contribute to wider change portfolio planning and prioritisation
- Drive continuous improvement across change delivery, enhancing capability, tools, processes and overall ways of working
What will you need to succeed?
- Extensive programme management experience, ideally in financial services, with delivery of complex, multi‑stream programmes in fast‑paced environments
- Strong track record of delivering programmes on time, within budget, and to agreed outcomes, with deep understanding of programme lifecycles and change frameworks
- Experienced in managing large budgets, prioritising change, and allocating resources at scale, even in ambiguous environments
- Delivery‑focused leader with strong communication skills, able to lead cross‑functional teams and influence senior stakeholders
- Highly analytical with strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, risk management, and negotiation skills
- Organised, adaptable and resilient, with a continuous improvement mindset and proficiency in project management tools (e.g. MS Project)
Programme Manager in Swindon employer: Openwork Limited
At The Openwork Partnership, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and inclusive employer that invests in the growth and development of our colleagues. With a strong focus on work-life balance and a culture that celebrates individuality, we offer competitive benefits including a generous salary, bonus scheme, and flexible working arrangements from our Swindon office. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Swindon
✨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 at Openwork Limited!
✨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 Openwork Limited or be willing to refer you for that Programme 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 Openwork Limited who’s on the lookout for their next Programme 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 Programme Manager role at Openwork Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Swindon
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 Openwork Limited. 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 Openwork Limited
✨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 Openwork Limited. 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!
