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- Tasks: Lead transformative projects that shape the future of education and drive meaningful change.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in lifelong learning and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and opportunities to work with senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while collaborating with diverse teams on exciting initiatives.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in programme management with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Pearson Qualifications Transformation Programme is a multi-year initiative to reshape how we operate, innovate, and deliver value. More than a systems upgrade, it’s about building a future-ready organisation driven by agility, collaboration, and technology. Spanning all disciplines, the programme offers opportunities to influence strategy, lead impactful projects, and deliver meaningful change for customers and colleagues. This high-profile, executive-sponsored programme brings together diverse talent to tackle complex challenges and set new standards of excellence.
As Senior Programme Director for Pearson Qualifications Transformation, you’ll steer the delivery of a complex, multi-phase programme that shapes the future of Pearson’s qualifications portfolio. You’ll translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, orchestrate cross-functional teams, and ensure seamless execution across integrated projects. Your leadership will drive governance, delivery assurance, and transparent reporting, enabling the transformation to deliver lasting impact for learners, educators, and Pearson’s business.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and oversee the integrated Pearson Qualifications Transformation delivery plan, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timely achievement of programme milestones.
- Govern the programme by establishing and maintaining robust frameworks for risk management, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Report programme status, progress, and risks to the Steering Committee, providing clear, actionable insights that inform decision-making.
- Drive programme communications, ensuring stakeholders are engaged, informed, and aligned throughout the transformation journey.
- Manage and develop Portfolio Leads and Project Support team members, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting professional growth.
- Optimize resource strategies and proactively remove blockers to accelerate delivery across the programme portfolio.
- Champion continuous improvement by refining delivery processes and embedding best practices.
- Advanced proficiency in programme and project management, with a strong track record of delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives.
- Effective governance and risk management skills, ensuring compliance and delivery assurance.
- Strong analytical and business acumen, able to generate insights and drive operational decisions.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, building consensus and motivating diverse stakeholders.
- Change leadership, inspiring teams through transformation and navigating ambiguity with confidence.
- Adaptability and resilience, thriving in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
- Stakeholder engagement and management, aligning cross-functional contributors to shared goals.
- Data literacy, leveraging information to inform strategy and reporting.
- Commitment to Pearson’s Essential Behaviors: Customer Centricity, Exceptional Collaboration for Value, Raising the Performance Bar, and Our Leaders Inspire.
- Adaptability (Advanced)
- Analytical Skills (Experienced)
- Business Acumen (Experienced)
- Change Leadership (Experienced)
- Communication Skills (Experienced)
- Influencing Skills (Experienced)
- Learning to Learn (Advanced)
- Project Management Leadership (Experienced)
- Stakeholder Engagement & Management (Experienced)
- Governance (Experienced)
- Demonstrate Customer Centricity by connecting programme outcomes to long-term stakeholder value.
- Raise the Performance Bar by setting a compelling vision, empowering teams, and embedding a culture of excellence and accountability.
- Drive Exceptional Collaboration for Value by fostering alignment across diverse teams and senior stakeholders.
- Inspire as a Leader by motivating, developing, and supporting your team’s growth and performance.
- Typically requires 7+ years of progressive experience in programme or project management, including experience leading cross-functional teams and managing direct reports.
- Proven experience operating through matrix management and influencing at multiple organizational levels.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile) preferred.
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
Lead, Program Manager in London employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead, Program Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or attend industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to be able to show how your skills align with their mission. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership and change management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We recommend mentioning something specific from the conversation to keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead, Program Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Pearson Qualifications Transformation Programme.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Programme Director, your ability to lead and inspire teams is crucial. Use your application to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and driven change in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Know the Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Pearson Qualifications Transformation Programme. Understand its goals, key responsibilities, and how it aligns with Pearson's mission. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience can contribute to its success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Programme Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or managed complex projects. Highlight your change leadership skills and how you've inspired teams through transformation.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
Effective communication and stakeholder management are crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've built consensus among diverse stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you keep everyone aligned and informed throughout a project’s lifecycle.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and risk management skills. Practice articulating your thought process in handling challenges, optimising resources, and ensuring compliance. This will showcase your analytical skills and business acumen effectively.
