At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale transformation initiatives in a hybrid working environment.
- Company: Smartedge’s client, a leader in financial services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Drive impactful projects in a dynamic tech landscape while managing significant budgets.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Smartedge’s Client is looking for an individual to help with their Programme Director in Sheffield / Birmingham, UK (Hybrid Working).
Key area: We are seeking an experienced Programme Director to lead delivery of large-scale transformation initiatives within the CTO Platforms domain. This role will drive end-to-end execution across infrastructure, cloud, and platform services, ensuring alignment to enterprise strategy, resilience, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead delivery of complex, multi-workstream CTO Platforms programmes (infrastructure, cloud, hosting, platform services)
- Manage programmes with budget accountability exceeding £50M+, ensuring delivery to scope, timeline, and quality
- Define and execute programme roadmap aligned to modernisation, scalability, and resilience objectives
- Drive alignment across engineering, architecture, SRE, and service management teams
- Manage senior stakeholders across technology, business, and control functions
- Establish and maintain strong governance, reporting, risk, and control frameworks
- Own programme financials (budget, forecasting, benefits realisation)
- Oversee third-party vendors and global delivery partners
- Ensure adherence to enterprise architecture, cloud strategy, DevOps, and automation standards
- Lead global, matrixed teams to drive delivery accountability and outcomes
Qualifications:
- Proven track record delivering large-scale CTO Platforms / technology programmes (>£50M+)
- Strong experience across infrastructure, cloud, hosting platforms, or platform engineering
- Experience within Tier-1 financial services environments (Banking/ Finance)
- Strong understanding of governance, risk, regulatory, and audit frameworks
- Excellent executive stakeholder management capability
- Experience managing complex vendor ecosystems and global teams
- Strong financial and commercial management experience
If this sounds like a role you would be interested in or if you know someone in this field, connect with me or email me.
Program Director employer: Smartedge Solutions
Smartedge is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Sheffield/Birmingham that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to lead transformative projects within the CTO Platforms domain. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Director
✨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 Program Director at Smartedge Solutions!
✨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 Smartedge Solutions or be willing to refer you for that Program Director 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 Smartedge Solutions who’s on the lookout for their next Program Director 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 Program Director role at Smartedge Solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Program Director
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 Smartedge Solutions. 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 Smartedge Solutions
✨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 Smartedge Solutions. 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!
