Senior Delivery Manager - AI & Innovation
Location: London or Manchester, with travel as required by the project or client
Contract Start Date: 2 November 2026
Day Rate: £504.59-£514.02 per day, depending on clearance status
Eligibility: UK Nationals only, with a minimum of 5 years' UK residency
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Delivery Manager to support a major government department in its AI and Innovation Strategy & Enablement area.
This is a hands-on delivery role focused on embedding Agile principles, improving delivery performance and driving a culture of focus, accountability and continuous improvement across multiple workstreams.
You will work in a complex, strategic environment, helping teams manage risks, track dependencies, monitor sprint performance and maintain effective planning and reporting. You will play a key role in ensuring delivery remains on track, with clear visibility of progress, issues and priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Embed Agile principles and best practices across multiple workstreams.
- Manage risks, issues and dependencies, maintaining accurate RAID logs and supporting risk forums.
- Use JIRA as the primary tool for backlog management, sprint tracking, delivery reporting and planning.
- Produce sprint reports, progress updates and forward-planning documentation.
- Collate and maintain Plan on a Page (POAP) documentation.
- Use sprint data and delivery metrics to inform retrospectives, identify improvement opportunities and support future planning.
- Engage with stakeholders to communicate progress, resolve blockers and maintain alignment across workstreams.
- Promote continuous improvement and effective delivery practices within a strategic environment.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in a Delivery Manager or Senior Delivery Manager role.
- Strong, hands-on experience using JIRA for backlog management, sprint tracking, reporting and planning.
- Experience managing risks and issues, including presenting at risk forums.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience producing delivery plans, progress reports and POAP documentation.
- Must be a UK National with a minimum of 5 years' UK residency.
Desirable Experience
- Exposure to AI, innovation or digital transformation programmes.
- Previous experience within the public sector or central government.
- Experience applying Agile methodologies in strategy, enablement or transformation environments, rather than solely within technical delivery teams.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity would suit a proactive, organised and hands-on Delivery Manager who can bring structure to complex workstreams, provide clear delivery oversight and help teams continuously improve. You should be confident managing delivery governance, using JIRA to provide meaningful insight and engaging stakeholders at different levels.
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.
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Senior Delivery Manager - AI & Innovation in City of London employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
As a PAM Consultant with our esteemed consulting client, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. The company offers robust employee growth opportunities, including continuous training in cutting-edge security practices, while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual's contribution. Located in the UK, this role not only provides competitive benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on clients' security postures through your expertise in Privileged Access Management.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruitment Team
