At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic tech programmes and ensure impactful delivery across the organisation.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a globally recognised leader in journalism and information.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, career growth opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Embrace innovation in a supportive environment that values unique perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in technology transformation while shaping your career path.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale tech programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role / Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Programmes Director to lead the governance and performance of the Tech programme portfolio, ensuring that the organisation’s most important strategic programmes are delivered with rigour, transparency and measurable impact. The candidate will have a background in CRM and/or ERP solutions and expertise in improving middle office activities in Lead to Cash across b2b and b2c segments. The ideal candidate is an influential, hands‑on senior leader who can skillfully balance strategic oversight, operational excellence, and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Team and Portfolio Management: To lead an IT change portfolio of strategic programmes, track delivery and financial performance and value capture. Management of suppliers and statements of work across strategic delivery. Set up and facilitate programme governance forums and/or design authorities and lead supplier meetings as required. Matrix management of a team of project and programme managers. Plan, govern and deliver multiple concurrent workstreams (organisational design, processes, tooling, sourcing, capability uplift, risk & compliance). Manage cross-functional teams and coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders. Business and Benefits case development, project financial management. Champion project practices, coach and maintain minimum standards and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Change Management: Facilitate effective change management strategies to ensure seamless adoption of new technologies and processes. Communicate the value and impact of technology transformation initiatives to stakeholders at all levels. Provide training, support, and guidance to teams impacted by technology changes. Ensures initiatives comply with regulatory, architecture and security standards. Identify potential risks associated with changes and develop mitigation plans. Maintain robust governance frameworks to support sustainable technology operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with business leaders to understand their needs and align transformation initiatives with organisational goals. Act as a bridge between technical teams and business units to ensure seamless collaboration. Provide regular updates and progress reports to senior leadership.
Required Skills / Experience
- Has led multi-programme portfolios (£10m+ equivalent scale, depending on context), including financial management and tracking of value (ROI).
- Experience delivering multiple large-scale programmes in the Technology sector (senior programme manager or above).
- Experience in both agile product development environments and structured programme environments.
- Proven experience in leading IT transformation, digital transformation, or large-scale IT modernisation initiatives.
- People leadership for project and programme managers in a portfolio-based environment.
- Understanding of IT infrastructure, SaaS platforms, agile software development, and emerging technologies.
- Certification in programme and project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, AgilePM) or IT frameworks is preferred.
- Strong influence rather than a command-and-control style.
- Comfort operating in federated environments.
- Ability to protect delivery rigour without stifling innovation.
- Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
- Strategic vision with the ability to translate goals into actionable plans.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills to drive effective IT transformation.
- Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Adaptability on managing competing priorities driven by senior management.
- Hands‑on delivery, with an ability to work at multiple levels, dependent on programme requirements.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Further information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.
Programmes Director in London employer: The Financial Times Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Financial Times Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programmes Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at the Financial Times. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. The FT values curiosity and collaboration, so think about how you can showcase these traits during your conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Programmes Director. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the FT team.
We think you need these skills to ace Programmes Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity: At the FT, curiosity is key! Make sure your application reflects your eagerness to learn and grow. Share examples of how you've embraced new challenges in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience: Don’t just list your skills; connect them to the role of Programmes Director. Highlight your experience with CRM/ERP solutions and how you've successfully led large-scale programmes in the tech sector.
Be Authentic: We want to hear your true self! While it’s fine to use AI tools for assistance, ensure that your application genuinely represents your skills and experiences. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Financial Times Ltd
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Tech programme portfolio at the Financial Times. Understand their strategic programmes and how they align with the organisation's goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience in CRM and ERP solutions can add value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Programmes Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-programme portfolios and managed cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to balance strategic oversight with operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Expect questions around change management strategies. Prepare to share your experiences in facilitating seamless technology adoption and how you've communicated the value of transformation initiatives to stakeholders. This will showcase your understanding of the importance of effective change management.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Scenarios
Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders. Think of scenarios where you've acted as a bridge between technical teams and business units. This will illustrate your exceptional collaboration skills and your ability to align transformation initiatives with organisational goals.