Senior Programme Manager: Lead Large-Scale Change (Hybrid)

We’re at a big turning point at SGN. We have an important responsibility to keep the gas flowing to 5.9 million homes and businesses across the UK. The world is changing fast — expectations from customers, communities, regulators and our stakeholders are rising. Technology is moving quicker than ever. We need to catch up and then stay ahead if we want to be the best Gas Distribution Network in the UK. We need to make sure we’re set up for success.

We’re already making great progress with a new CEO and Executive Team, a new COO function and we’ve moved from five to nine regions in our Southern network, creating closer communities for our people. We’ve opened a Business Services Centre, giving everyone easier access to the services they need, and we’ve brought in 550 new vans, with hundreds more on the way. But this is just the beginning. We’re focusing on three big goals:

• Supporting our frontline first
• Cutting waste, not corners
• Working smarter, together

We have agreed a Target Operating Model and we are in the middle of a five-year programme that will help us not only achieve that operating model but also integrate change with ongoing operational delivery and improvement projects. We’re now offering fantastic opportunities for colleagues to help us on this exciting journey.

We are recruiting to add to our small number of Senior Programme Managers responsible for coordinating and managing the successful delivery of large-scale change initiatives across the Chief Operating Officer’s function. This role works closely with our operational leaders in designing, planning and delivering change effectively and sustainably, ensuring alignment with SGN’s transformation objectives and realisation of business benefits.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here’s how you will contribute…

About The Role: We are looking for a small number of highly skilled and experienced Senior Programme Managers to lead the delivery of complex, high-impact, multi-workstream programmes that align with our strategic objectives. In this role, you will oversee the full change lifecycle — from business case development through initiation to implementation and benefits realisation – managing cross-functional teams, budgets, risks, and stakeholders to ensure timely and successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Full lifecycle ownership: leading the planning, execution, and delivery of medium-to-large-scale, multi-workstream programmes across the business.
• Develop and manage comprehensive plans, including scope, timeline, budget, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective delivery across all workstreams.
• Monitor programme performance, track milestones, identify and manage risks and issues, and ensure corrective actions are taken where necessary.
• Engage, and communicate regularly with, stakeholders at all levels, including executive sponsors, providing clear, concise, and timely updates.
• Define and facilitate programme governance that is aligned to portfolio and enterprise governance.
• Ensure compliance with governance, controls, assurance and reporting standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in programme/project delivery by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and contributing to the maturity of the PMO.
• Support change management and business readiness activities to ensure successful adoption of outcomes.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience (typically 5+ years) managing complex business change programmes in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Experience implementing organisational and process change to achieve a Target Operating Model.
• Successful applicants will have extensive experience delivering predominantly organisational, process, efficiency and service change rather than implementing digital solutions. Whilst our changes are supported by technology, they are not technology/digital led.
• Strong working knowledge of programme/project management methodologies (e.g. MSP, APM/PMBOK) and tools (e.g., MS Project) backed up by relevant qualifications.
• Exceptional leadership, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage risks, budgets, dependencies, and change effectively.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Although not essential, experience working in an operational setting within the Utilities sector would be a bonus.

Not sure you meet every requirement? Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN? SGN leads pioneering research and development for a net-zero energy system. Our innovative technologies are transforming the gas industry while keeping people safe and warm. We are an award-winning employer, including CCA Gold Awards for Great Places to Work and Inclusivity and Accessibility, and a proud Gold member of the Armed Forces Covenant.

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.