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- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes that shape the future of student finance in the UK.
- Company: Join the Student Loans Company, a non-profit making Government-owned organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading complex transformation programmes and managing budgets.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Glasgow, Darlington or Llandudno
Pension: A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Advert Closing Date: 11.59pm, Friday 17 April 2026
Is it time you unlocked your potential? Student Loans Company is a non‑profit making Government‑owned organisation to provide loans and grants to students in universities and colleges in the UK. Since 1989, we have enabled our customers to invest in their futures by delivering secure, accurate and efficient assessment, payment and repayment services.
Our Values
- Honesty: We act with integrity and transparency, sharing information openly and addressing challenges with courage.
- Empowerment: We enable people to take initiative, make impactful decisions, and continuously learn and grow.
- Accountability: We deliver on commitments, own our successes and mistakes, and strive for quality outcomes.
- Respect: We value diverse perspectives, actively listen, and create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
- Trust: We collaborate across teams, build dependable relationships, and work as one to deliver for our customers.
About the Role
As Programme Director, you will lead the delivery of large, complex and multi‑year transformation programmes that are critical to strategic outcomes, operating at pace across technology modernisation, target operating model change, process improvement and data evolution. You will be accountable for mobilising, governing and delivering programmes within highly complex environments, working confidently with executive and board‑level stakeholders across multiple organisations and delivery partners. You will bring deep experience of operating in regulated environments, applying strong judgement and discipline to balance pace, risk, compliance and value for money. A core focus of the role is rigorous financial control, with responsibility for managing and forecasting significant budgets, developing robust business cases, and ensuring every investment delivers measurable benefits against tightly governed cost and savings targets. You will establish clear and effective programme governance, proactively managing risk, issues and dependencies to enable informed decision‑making and successful outcomes. As an experienced people leader, you will lead and develop teams of programme and project managers, creating a high‑performing, accountable delivery culture. You will use data‑driven insight to resolve complex problems, challenge ways of working and drive continuous improvement. Above all, you will combine strong commercial and delivery expertise with an understanding of public‑sector accountability, delivering complex change with credibility, pace and impact. This is a senior, high‑impact leadership role where you’ll shape and deliver complex, nationally significant transformation, build enduring executive relationships, and leave a visible legacy while strengthening your profile and progression at the most influential levels of programme delivery.
What you bring:
- Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide teams in achieving programme objectives.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders across various levels.
- Demonstrated ability to manage programme budgets and financial resources effectively.
- Effective analytical and problem‑solving skills, capable of making data‑driven decisions.
- Excellent risk management, analytical and problems‑olving skills.
- Able to challenge ways of working to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ability to build, establish, and maintain influential relationships to drive effective decision making.
- Proven experience in leading large, complex transformation programmes, with a deep understanding of programme management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
- Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale transformation programmes within complex organisational environments.
You can expect more from a career with SLC. We support colleagues to unlock their potential through our Career Pathways development programme and offer an excellent benefit and rewards package that includes:
- 28 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays
- Option to buy/sell annual leave
- Flexi‑time and enhanced flexible working options available
- Option to join the Civil Service pension scheme
- Life insurance cover for 4 x annual salary
- Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption
- Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, access to the Civil Service Sports and Leisure Club for discounted gym memberships, and an optional dental insurance scheme
The Legal Bits
We’ll need you to confirm you have the right to work in the UK. If we offer you a job and you accept, there are some background checks we need to complete before you can start with us. This will include employment history, criminal record check, credit reference check and fraud check. SLC are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are inclusive for all candidates and will make reasonable adjustments for those who consider themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition in line with the Equality Act 2010. Our application process provides candidates with the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments but if you would like to discuss this in more detail, please email ask_recruitment@slc.co.uk.
Program Director in Glasgow employer: Student Loans Company
Contact Detail:
Student Loans Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Director in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Programme Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. At StudySmarter, we believe in aligning with the organisation's culture, so be ready to show how your leadership style fits with SLC’s commitment to honesty, empowerment, and accountability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your experience in leading complex transformation programmes clearly and confidently. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or using mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Director in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Programme Director role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Programme Director, strong leadership is key. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and guided teams in previous roles. We want to see your ability to motivate and drive results!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining us at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Student Loans Company
✨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific transformation programmes that the Student Loans Company is currently undertaking. Familiarise yourself with their goals, challenges, and how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As a Programme Director, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex projects. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, and be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges while maintaining accountability and respect within your team.
✨Master Financial Management
Given the emphasis on financial control in this role, brush up on your budget management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing significant budgets, developing business cases, and ensuring value for money. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders is key. Think of instances where you’ve successfully engaged with executive-level stakeholders or cross-organisational teams. Prepare to discuss how you’ve influenced decision-making and fostered collaboration to achieve programme objectives.