Lead Specialist, Program Manager
Lead Specialist, Program Manager

Lead Specialist, Program Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Pearson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex customer programs and ensure successful delivery with high satisfaction.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at Pearson, a leader in professional services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, inclusive culture, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by managing innovative projects that matter to customers.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in program management are essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

Lead Specialist, Program Manager (Customer Delivery) leads the delivery of complex, customer‑facing programs within Professional Services. This role is accountable for planning, coordinating, and executing multi‑workstream customer engagements, ensuring delivery commitments are met on time, within scope, and with high customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end‑to‑end delivery plans for complex customer programs, from mobilisation through completion.
  • Translate customer requirements and contractual commitments into clear delivery milestones and outcomes.
  • Coordinate delivery across cross‑functional teams, including Professional Services, Product, Engineering, and Customer Success.
  • Manage risks, issues, dependencies, and scope changes to protect delivery outcomes.
  • Act as a trusted delivery partner to customer stakeholders, providing clear communication and governance.
  • Track and report on delivery progress, risks, and outcomes.
  • Apply program management expertise to continuously improve delivery practices and support peer learning.

Scope & Level Expectations

  • Leads high‑complexity customer programs with significant delivery and customer impact.
  • Operates with a high degree of autonomy within defined strategic and commercial boundaries.
  • Decisions primarily affect customer delivery outcomes rather than enterprise‑wide strategy.
  • Success is measured by on‑time delivery, quality, risk management, and customer confidence.

Experience & Skills Required

  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • Excellent planning, coordination, and risk management capabilities.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, ambiguous delivery environments.

Preferred

  • Experience in Professional Services or technology‑enabled delivery.
  • Program or project management certification.

Lead Specialist, Program Manager employer: Pearson

At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Lead Specialist in Program Management, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive environment that values diversity, and the chance to make a significant impact on customer delivery outcomes. Our commitment to employee growth and well-being, combined with our focus on high-quality service, makes Pearson a rewarding place to advance your career.
Pearson

Contact Detail:

Pearson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Specialist, Program Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Lead Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to program management and customer delivery. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your project management skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed risks, coordinated teams, and delivered successful outcomes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for the Lead Specialist position.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Specialist, Program Manager

Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Planning
Coordination
Risk Management
Program Management
Project Management Certification
Delivery Management
Cross-Functional Team Coordination
Customer Engagement
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Governance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex customer programs. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your planning and coordination expertise!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use examples from your past experiences where you effectively communicated with cross-functional teams or managed customer expectations.

Highlight Risk Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can handle risks and issues like a pro. Include specific instances where you successfully navigated challenges in previous projects, ensuring delivery commitments were met without compromising quality.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson

✨Know Your Program Management Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your program management principles and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led complex customer programs in the past, focusing on your planning, coordination, and risk management skills.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage stakeholders effectively. Think about times when you communicated clearly with cross-functional teams or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability to act as a trusted delivery partner.

✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to managing risks or scope changes. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will show your ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset

Think of ways you've improved delivery practices in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you support peer learning and contribute to enhancing overall team performance, as this aligns with the expectations of the role.

Lead Specialist, Program Manager
Pearson

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