Principal:Program Manager in London

For every successful, multi-project initiative, there is a Principal Program Delivery Manager: the strategic leader and organizational expert who ensures the coordinated delivery of a portfolio of interdependent projects to achieve critical, overarching business outcomes. They are masters of strategic alignment, managing the interdependencies between projects, and extending their collaborative mindset to C-suite clients to drive enterprise-level value.

Principal Program Delivery Managers define the program vision, establish governance, and manage complexity across multiple teams and workstreams. This role requires demonstrable experience managing large-scale Data and AI Transformation Programs, with a focus on modernizing data platforms and establishing robust governance. They are experts in senior and executive stakeholder management, navigating complex organizational landscapes to build consensus and drive strategic buy-in. The ideal candidate actively guides initiatives and builds the foundational capabilities essential to enable the responsible use of AI and advanced analytics across the enterprise.

Job Responsibilities

• You will define, establish, and govern a multi-year Program focused on achieving a high-value strategic objective. You will manage the program's vision, charter, and scope, ensuring that all constituent projects contribute cohesively.
• You will develop and champion a multi-year program roadmap that directly supports the client's long-term business strategy. This includes leading the effort for program business case development, securing funding, and proactively managing inter-program dependencies.
• You will own the definition, tracking, and ultimate realization of the program's intended business benefits and strategic outcomes. You will shift the focus from merely delivering project outputs to achieving measurable, impactful results for the client.
• You will oversee the delivery of multiple, related project workstreams, ensuring synchronization and eliminating duplication of effort. You are accountable for program-level reporting, risk management, and financial health across all constituent projects.
• You will manage and influence Executive-level Program Steering Committees (PSCs) and C-suite stakeholders, providing transparent communication on program health, resource contention, strategic alignment, and overall financial performance.
• You will establish and enforce program governance models, standards, and processes across all teams, including mentoring and coaching the Project Managers and technical leads within your program.
• You will anticipate, analyze, and resolve high-level strategic risks and conflicts that transcend individual projects, acting as the ultimate escalation point and decision-maker to protect the program's objective.
• You will actively align the scope, architecture, and technical approach across various project teams to ensure the resulting solution is unified, cohesive, and sustainable for the long-term business need.

Job Qualifications

Technical Skills

• You have extensive experience managing and guiding large, complex, and strategic Data and/or AI Transformation Programs involving multiple, interdependent projects and senior stakeholders.
• You are an expert in program financial management, including securing program funding, multi-project budget allocation, and robust cost-benefit analysis.
• You possess deep experience with various delivery approaches and have the ability to consult clients on the optimal program delivery model and governance structure necessary to achieve their strategic goals.
• You are adept at strategic resource planning, capacity forecasting, and managing resource contention across multiple projects within the program.
• You are comfortable working with and influencing C-suite and executive client leaders to maintain strategic commitment, resolve high-stakes roadblocks, and shape future strategic initiatives.

Professional Skills

• You thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving strategic situations and possess the intellectual agility to adapt the program strategy to new business realities without losing momentum.
• You are adept at managing major risks and conflicts at the enterprise level.
• You possess exceptional influence and communication skills, able to simplify complex program dependencies and financial metrics into clear, compelling narratives for executive consumption.
• You are a proven leader who takes responsibility for the growth and mentorship of team members within the program, helping them achieve sustained progress and impactful objectives through effective management and inspiration.
• Cultivating strong, high-trust executive partnerships comes naturally to you; you use these relationships to proactively identify new opportunities and ensure the program's long-term success.

Other Things to Know

Learning & Development

There is no one-size-fits-all career path at Thoughtworks: however you want to develop your career is entirely up to you. But we also balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture. This means your career is supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow. We see value in helping each other be our best and that extends to empowering our employees in their career journeys.

Hybrid Work Expectation

This role offers flexibility with no mandatory daily office requirement. However, due to our commitment to client proximity, candidates should expect an on-site presence of 20-40% (at client or office location), depending on project needs.

About Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is a global technology consultancy that integrates strategy, design and engineering to drive digital innovation. For 30+ years, our clients have trusted our autonomous teams to build solutions that look past the obvious. Here, computer science grads come together with seasoned technologists, self-taught developers, midlife career changers and more to learn from and challenge each other. Career journeys flourish with the strength of our cultivation culture, which has won numerous awards around the world. Join Thoughtworks and thrive. Together, our extra curiosity, innovation, passion and dedication overcomes ordinary.