At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver complex programmes while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a global leader in business transformation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and collaborating with diverse teams worldwide.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme management and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61873 - 75623 £ per year.
This role aligns to the following industry titles - Programme Manager, Transformation Programme Manager, Business Transformation Manager, Strategic Programme Manager.
Role Purpose: The Programme Manager role is accountable for the successful delivery of complex programmes and multiple interdependent projects aligned to global business priorities. The role operates with defined objectives and governance, exercising professional judgement, structured problem solving, and proactive risk management to deliver outcomes in a fast‑paced, global environment. The Programme Manager works as part of a global, multi‑location team, engaging a wide range of stakeholders to coordinate delivery, manage dependencies, and maintain transparency on progress, risks, and outcomes.
Key Accountabilities:
- Deliver one or more medium‑to‑large scale programmes, consisting of multiple projects or workstreams.
- Manage programme plans, milestones, dependencies, risks, and issues using Smartsheet.
- Balance and prioritise multiple concurrent initiatives, meeting deadlines in a pressured and changing environment.
- Apply structured problem‑solving to resolve delivery issues, proposing practical options and recommendations.
- Operate within established governance frameworks while exercising judgement on delivery decisions.
- Coordinate stakeholders across functions and geographies, contributing to a global delivery model.
- Provide clear, accurate, and decision‑focused status reporting and insights to senior stakeholders.
- Identify delivery risks early and actively manage mitigation actions and escalation paths.
- Support programme governance forums with high‑quality materials and analysis.
- Adhere to global programme management standards and contribute to continuous improvement.
Skills & Capabilities:
- Proven programme and project management expertise.
- Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.
- Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities.
- Demonstrated capability to deliver under pressure and tight timelines.
- Confident stakeholder engagement across cultures and time zones.
- High attention to detail with strong focus on outcomes and value.
- Hands‑on experience using Smartsheet or other project planning tools for planning, tracking, and reporting.
Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications:
- Essential: Proven experience in programme or senior project management.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Practical experience working in global or distributed teams.
- Experience in large, matrixed, or transformation‑led organisations.
- Desirable: Programme or project management certification (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, PMP, PgMP, Agile).
- Hands‑on experience using Smartsheet in a delivery.
- Experience using Jira (and/or similar agile delivery tools) for tracking work.
Lead Specialist, Program Management employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Specialist, Program Management
✨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 Lead Specialist, Program Management at Pearson!
✨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 Pearson or be willing to refer you for that Lead Specialist, Program Management 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 Pearson who’s on the lookout for their next Lead Specialist, Program Management 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 Lead Specialist, Program Management role at Pearson!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Specialist, Program Management
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 Pearson. 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 Pearson
✨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 Pearson. 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!
