At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes, ensuring timely delivery and measurable outcomes.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Transformation Office.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and mentor high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Shape impactful projects and drive change in a high-performance culture.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in program management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role sits within the Transformation Office and reports to the Senior Lead, Program Manager. Leading the Program and Project Delivery team, the role is accountable for shaping and driving effective delivery across the transformation portfolio. The role leads high-stakes, complex programmes of work, maintaining clear sight of inter-project and programme-level dependencies across individual initiatives and the wider transformation programme to ensure coordinated, effective delivery. Alongside this, the role manages a team of programme managers, project managers, and project support analysts, setting and embedding best-practice delivery frameworks and driving consistency, operational excellence, and a high-performance culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and deliver programs aligned to transformation goals, ensuring timely completion and measurable outcomes.
- Establish and embed best practice frameworks for program and project delivery, continuously improving maturity and standards.
- Directly manage a team of program managers, project managers, and project support analysts, coaching and developing them for high performance.
- Connect the dots across the wider transformation portfolio and PQ TX, driving cross-functional collaboration and impact.
- Translate complex information into simple, compelling narratives for senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Monitor progress, resolve risks and bottlenecks, and escalate broader issues as needed.
- Collaborate with project teams and supporting functions to align operational and project goals.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Project Management Leadership: Motivate teams, set standards, and guide program execution.
- Change Leadership: Support transformation, embed new ways of working, and inspire team adoption.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build trust, manage relationships, and align priorities across teams.
- Governance: Implement frameworks for transparency and decision-making.
- Analytical Skills: Assess risks, measure outcomes, and optimize resources.
- Storytelling: Present complex information in a compelling, clear format for senior leaders.
- Communication Skills: Express ideas clearly, listen actively, and facilitate collaboration.
- Adaptability: Respond to change, adjust priorities, and drive improvement.
Qualifications (Education & Experience):
- 3-5 years experience leading program teams and delivering complex initiatives.
- Proven track record in establishing best practice and driving operational excellence.
- Experience managing direct reports and building high-performing teams.
- Strong background in program management, storytelling, and senior leader communication.
Manager, Program Manager employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Program Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 practising common questions and scenarios related to program management. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence and refine your storytelling skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about how you've motivated teams and driven successful project delivery. We want to hear about your experiences in managing change and building high-performing teams!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Program Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Program Manager role. Highlight your project management leadership and change leadership experience, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell your story! Connect your past experiences to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing how you can translate complex information into simple narratives.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to mention your experience in coaching and developing high-performing teams. We want to see how you've motivated others to achieve their best!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Know Your Program Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your program management knowledge. Understand the frameworks and methodologies that are relevant to the role, like Agile or Waterfall. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects and how they can benefit the transformation goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Manager, you'll need to motivate and guide your team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, focusing on how you set standards and inspired high performance. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since you'll be translating complex information for senior leaders, practice presenting your ideas clearly and compellingly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for interviewers to follow your narrative.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you build trust and manage relationships across teams. Have examples ready that demonstrate your ability to align priorities and facilitate collaboration. Highlight any successful outcomes from your stakeholder engagement efforts.