At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Agile delivery teams to create high-quality digital products and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Sage, a mission-driven independent publisher shaping the future of research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, private medical cover, and professional development support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while championing Agile methodologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile delivery leadership and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Senior Delivery Manager I – Fixed Term Contract - £67,000 - £78,000
This role is a 12-month, fixed term contract.
Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher.
You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.
About Sage
Sageis a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement.
Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sara Miller Mc Cune founded Sage in 1965.
Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.
Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to
Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas
About our Team
The Senior Delivery Manager joins a collaborative, high‑performing Agile delivery team that partners closely with product managers, software engineers, business analysts, and customer‑facing colleagues to deliver high‑quality digital products.
The team works at the heart of our technology organisation, shaping delivery practices, enabling continuous improvement, and ensuring our software releases meet the needs of customers, internal stakeholders, and the wider business.
You’ll be a trusted partner to senior leaders, cross‑functional teams, and external collaborators, helping to build a culture where experimentation, learning, and shared ownership drive meaningful outcomes.
Could you be our new Senior Delivery Manager? Are you?
- Experienced in delivery leadership with experience guiding Agile or project delivery teams to measurable, successful outcomes?
- A confident communicator who can influence, guide, and align teams toward shared goals?
- Skilled in Agile delivery with hands‑on experience implementing Scrum, Kanban, or hybrid frameworks to improve team performance?
- A release management expert able to design and run effective release strategies that balance speed, quality, and customer needs?
- A critical thinker who thrives in fast‑paced environments, solving complex problems with clarity and calm?
- Highly collaborative with the ability to build strong partnerships, facilitate discovery, and drive shared ownership of outcomes?
- Committed to continuous improvement with experience embedding lean practices and measurable process enhancements?
- Professionally certified with qualifications such as Advanced Scrum Master, PMI‑ACP, PMP/Prince2, or CBAP (or working toward them)?
Your new role
This role leads, guides, and empowers Agile software delivery teams to deliver high‑quality products through industry‑standard processes, critical thinking, and a culture of continuous learning.
You will champion Agile methodologies, drive operational excellence, and ensure that delivery practices support both customer value and organisational goals.
- Embed consistent delivery practices that improve predictability, quality, and flow across Agile software teams.
- Ensure smooth, timely releases by leading end‑to‑end release management strategies aligned to customer and business priorities.
- Drive measurable continuous improvement by identifying bottlenecks, reducing waste, and implementing lean solutions that enhance team efficiency.
- Strengthen cross‑functional collaboration by flexing across project management, business analysis, and coaching to keep teams aligned and unblocked.
- Translate business needs into actionable delivery plans through close partnership with customers and internal teams.
- Champion Agile ways of working to increase team autonomy, transparency, and delivery effectiveness.
- Build a culture of continuous learning where experimentation, reflection, and shared knowledge drive ongoing improvement.
- Mentor and develop team capability by coaching colleagues in Agile, lean, and delivery methodologies to elevate team performance.
Overview of benefits
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with 2 additional floating personal days.
- Hybrid working up to 2 days per week in office and a home working allowance.
- Life assurance, income protection, and travel insurance.
- Private medical cover and access to the company doctor.
- Tuition scheme and support for pursuing professional qualifications, including access to Sage books and journals.
- Variety of snacks and beverages available in the office.
- Healthy lifestyle reimbursement and anniversary trips.
- Access to Company loans (season ticket loan, rental deposit loan, cycle loan).
We’re a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and to sustaining a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages authenticity, and builds a deep sense of belonging.
We encourage applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief as crafting value through diversity is what makes us strong.
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Senior Delivery Manager I employer: Sage Pub
Sage is an exceptional employer that champions a mission-driven culture, empowering employees to contribute to meaningful change in the academic publishing landscape. With a strong focus on employee growth, Sage offers generous benefits including hybrid working options, professional development support, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Delivery Manager I
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Sage Pub. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Sage Pub.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Sage Pub.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Delivery Manager I
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Sage Pub and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sage Pub
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Sage Pub will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Sage Pub.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Sage Pub.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Sage Pub. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.