IAT Programme Manager

IAT Programme Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Publicis Groupe UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global projects, connect teams, and streamline delivery for iconic brands.
  • Company: Join Publicis Groupe, a leader in communications with a diverse and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive perks like pension, private medical cover, and reflection days.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Shape innovative marketing strategies and influence major decisions in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Publicis Groupe is one of the world's largest communications holding companies, present in over 110 countries and employing about 100,000 professionals. The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation.

Mars Inc is one of the world's largest privately owned consumer businesses, with Petcare at the heart of its growth agenda. In 2025, Publicis Groupe won Mars' landmark global media account (c.US$1.7bn), creating the One Mars operating model and positioning the Mars account as one of the most strategically important, high‑profile accounts within Starcom's global roster. Pet Nutrition is a core growth pillar within the Mars Petcare segment, responsible for offering some of the most loved brands (think Dreamies, IAMS, Whiskas, Pedigree, Cesar and Sheba) to both cat and dog Pet Parents.

The Pet Nutrition GLOBAL team is an integrated agency team (IAT) set up to deliver data‑driven, audience‑led brand and communications campaigns underpinned by media, influencer, ecommerce and content best practice. The One Mars ambition is to consistently drive effectiveness, agility, and scalable excellence.

This is far more than a traditional project management position. As the IAT Programme Manager, you'll sit at the heart of a global, multi‑market ecosystem, connecting teams, streamlining delivery, and ensuring ambitious projects move from strategy to execution with clarity and confidence. You'll work closely with senior agency leaders and client stakeholders, helping to build scalable ways of working that enable teams across dozens of markets to perform at their best. Every day you'll influence major decisions, drive operational excellence, and create the frameworks that turn complexity into seamless delivery.

Responsibilities
  • Drive Programme Excellence: You’ll lead programme governance across multiple workstreams, ensuring every project has clear milestones, ownership, risk management and delivery accountability.
  • Connect Teams and Capabilities: Success in this role comes from your ability to bring people together. You’ll act as the central point of coordination across Media, Social & Influencer, Measurement, Shopper Marketing, Data, Technology & Tools.
  • Shape Better Ways of Working: You’ll have the opportunity to design and improve how teams operate. From creating new processes and templates to leading continuous improvement initiatives, you’ll help build scalable, repeatable ways of working that enhance quality, speed and efficiency across the organisation.
  • Influence Senior Stakeholders: You’ll become a trusted advisor to agency leaders and client stakeholders alike. Whether facilitating workshops, leading steering committee meetings, or presenting programme updates, you’ll play a key role in driving alignment and enabling confident decision‑making.
  • Lead Through Insight and Data: You’ll own and optimise project management tools and reporting frameworks, providing stakeholders with clear visibility of delivery progress, risks, milestones and performance.
Qualifications

We’re interested in people who are naturally curious, highly organised and confident operating in fast‑paced environments.

  • Previous experience in programme or project management
  • Experience delivering complex, multi‑stakeholder, multi‑market initiatives
  • Strong knowledge of governance frameworks, programme delivery and operational excellence
  • Expertise with tools such as Monday.com, Asana, Jira, Smartsheet, Miro or similar platforms
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Experience working with senior leadership teams
  • The ability to navigate ambiguity and solve problems proactively
  • A track record of delivering high‑value projects (€1m+)
  • Experience within global, matrixed organisations
Bonus Points If You Have:
  • Experience within media, marketing, agency or production environments
  • Exposure to transformation or operating model programmes
  • Knowledge of marketing measurement techniques such as MMM or experimentation
  • PRINCE2, PMP, Agile or related programme management qualifications

Starcom offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees. Full details are shared when you join, but highlights include core benefits such as Pension, Life Assurance, and Private Medical cover, alongside enhanced policies like Reflection Days and Shared Parental Leave.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age, citizenship, relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing a fair, accessible, and inclusive recruitment process.

Publicis Groupe UK

Contact Details:

Publicis Groupe UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land IAT Programme Manager

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 IAT Programme Manager at Publicis Groupe UK!

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 Publicis Groupe UK or be willing to refer you for that IAT Programme Manager 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 Publicis Groupe UK who’s on the lookout for their next IAT Programme Manager 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 IAT Programme Manager role at Publicis Groupe UK!

We think you need these skills to ace IAT Programme Manager

Programme Management
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Governance Frameworks
Operational Excellence
Risk Management
Proactive Problem-Solving

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 Publicis Groupe UK. 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 Publicis Groupe UK

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 Publicis Groupe UK. 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!