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- Tasks: Lead strategic change initiatives and manage high-profile projects in publishing.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House UK, the largest publisher, known for innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, and a generous bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in publishing while shaping the future of the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale transformation and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 11:59pm on Sunday 17th August; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Programme Portfolio Director (12m FTC) role at Penguin Random House UK
Join to apply for the Programme Portfolio Director (12m FTC) role at Penguin Random House UK
Direct message the job poster from Penguin Random House UK
We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.
Lead Transformation at the Heart of Publishing
Penguin is a home for talented, curious minds who want to make a real impact, not just in publishing, but in the way our organisation evolves, innovates, and grows. We\’re looking for a Programme Portfolio Director to shape our enterprise-wide transformation agenda, delivering high-value change initiatives that will shape the future of our business. This is a rare opportunity to join our senior Operations team and influence major cross-functional programmes that underpin our long-term strategy, efficiency, and agility.
What You’ll Be Doing
As Programme Portfolio Director, you will:
Shape and deliver strategic change
- Shape the transformation roadmap to ensure the successful execution of complex, enterprise-wide programmes that are aligned to our business goals, such as our journey to AI adoption.
Hands on delivery
- Lead and actively participate in high-profile project and programme delivery to achieve best-value execution.
Lead and inspire
- Head up our Business Change & Communications, and Programme teams fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture focused on delivery and innovation.
Drive adoption and impact
- Champion structured change management approaches that engage people across the organisation and lead to sustained behavioural and cultural shifts.
- Work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, business owners, and senior technology partners to ensure our transformation efforts deliver long-term value and real results.
Who We’re Looking For
You’ll bring a strong track record in leading strategic transformation programmes at scale. You’ll have:
- Extensive experience in delivering large-scale transformation, continuous improvement and organisational change.
- The ability to dynamically prioritise and support teams to do likewise to ensure best-value execution in a fast-paced organisation.
- Strong knowledge of programme governance, risk management, and benefit realisation.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Confidence navigating senior stakeholder environments and influencing at all levels from the Executive team down.
We’re also looking for someone who is:
- Strategic, commercially astute, and outcomes-focused.
- A champion of agility, innovation and continuous improvement.
- A brilliant communicator who can bring people with them through complex change.
- A culture ambassador who aligns with our values and believes in the power of storytelling to shape the world.
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Sunday 17th August. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the advert may close before this date so we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note this is an immediately available opportunity, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.
The salary for this opportunity will be dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus benefits and a generous bonus scheme.
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. This role will be based at our Embassy Gardens office in London on a hybrid basis, with a willingness to travel to our site in Frating, Colchester on occasion.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Contract
Job function
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Job function
Information Technology
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Industries
Book and Periodical Publishing
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Programme Portfolio Director (12m FTC) employer: Penguin Random House UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Random House UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Portfolio Director (12m FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those who have experience in transformation roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in publishing.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Penguin Random House's recent initiatives and projects. Understanding their current transformation agenda will help you speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with their inclusive culture. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams through change, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of programme governance and risk management by preparing case studies from your past experiences. This will show that you have the practical knowledge needed to navigate complex projects effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Portfolio Director (12m FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in leading strategic transformation programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver large-scale change and your knowledge of programme governance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline why you are the right candidate for the Programme Portfolio Director role. Emphasise your collaborative leadership style and your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate how you've successfully engaged stakeholders at all levels during complex changes.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your strategic and commercially astute mindset by discussing how you've previously shaped transformation roadmaps and delivered high-value change initiatives aligned with business goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Understand the Transformation Agenda
Familiarise yourself with Penguin Random House's current transformation initiatives, especially around AI adoption. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their transformation roadmap.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Highlight your collaborative and inclusive leadership style during the interview. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic change management. Share specific instances where you've led large-scale transformation programmes, focusing on your ability to dynamically prioritise tasks and support teams in fast-paced environments.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a brilliant communicator, it's essential to convey your ideas clearly and persuasively. Practice articulating complex concepts in a straightforward manner, and be ready to engage with senior stakeholders, showcasing your confidence and influence.
