Programme Manager

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

We’re looking for an experienced Programme Manager (Applications) to play a key role in delivering strategic change across an IS Products portfolio. Working closely with the IS Global Projects Senior Manager and Programme Director, you’ll be responsible for leading the end-to-end delivery of projects and initiatives within the products space, ensuring alignment with wider IS strategic objectives. You’ll provide strong programme leadership, coordinating resources, prioritising initiatives, and overseeing delivery to ensure maximum value and benefits are realised.

This is an influential role, suited to someone who thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment and is passionate about optimising delivery, governance, and outcomes across a diverse applications portfolio.

• Proven, recent experience delivering products-based or application-focused projects, ideally within a complex technology environment.
• Significant experience managing multiple projects within a large, technology-enabled business programme.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage project managers and large, cross-functional technology teams.
• Strong programme leadership skills, with the ability to set clear objectives, motivate teams, and maintain alignment with IS and business strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to articulate and champion programme goals to senior stakeholders and technical leadership.
• Solid business and commercial acumen, including understanding of industry trends, innovation, and how digital solutions drive business value.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve conflict in environments with competing priorities and limited resources.
• Strong project planning, delivery, and execution skills, with experience delivering against financial and resource constraints.
• A demonstrable track record using reporting and governance tools to monitor delivery and analyse programme performance.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, including both Waterfall and Agile approaches.
• Oil & Gas sector experience is highly desirable, preferably within an Operator environment or large global service organisation.
• Relevant project or programme management qualifications, such as PMI / PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, and/or Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a competitive salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes, an employee assistance programme, discounted cash plan and more.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.