At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic technology programmes and drive transformation initiatives at the Financial Times.
- Company: Join a globally recognised news organisation committed to quality journalism and diverse perspectives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of accountability and continuous improvement with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while advancing your career in tech leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex technology portfolios and strong financial management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About Us 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.
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.
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.
The Role We're looking for an experienced Programmes Director to lead the governance, delivery and performance of the FT's strategic technology programme portfolio.
This is a senior leadership role within Product & Technology, responsible for overseeing a portfolio of large-scale transformation programmes while ensuring robust governance, financial oversight and measurable business value.
You'll provide leadership to a team of Project and Programme Managers, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and balance delivery rigour with the flexibility needed to support innovation across the organisation.
Provide leadership and matrix management to Project and Programme Managers, supporting capability development and delivery excellence.
Oversee programme financial management, business cases, value realisation and supplier performance.
Partner with business and technology leaders to align transformation initiatives with organisational strategy.
Champion programme and project management standards, coaching teams and implementing improvements where required.
Ensure programmes comply with governance, regulatory, architecture and security requirements.
Identify, assess and mitigate programme risks while maintaining effective governance frameworks.
Required Skills and Experience Significant experience leading complex portfolios of technology or digital transformation programmes.
Experience leading Project and Programme Managers within a portfolio environment.
Strong financial management skills, including investment oversight, ROI tracking and business case development.
Experience working across Agile product development and structured programme delivery environments.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
Strong leadership style focused on collaboration, coaching and delivery rather than command-and-control.
Professional programme or project management certification (such as PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile PM) is desirable.
Desirable Experience leading CRM, ERP or Lead-to-Cash transformation programmes.
These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community.
We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning.
Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.
Accessibility We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.
If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, please email talent@ft. com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times.
All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process.
If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft. com.
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Programme Manager, Data Management in London employer: The Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters curiosity and ambition. As a Companies Writer for Investors Chronicle, you'll have the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of experts, enjoy generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, and access numerous growth opportunities that empower you to shape your career in impactful journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager, Data Management in London
✨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 Programme Manager, Data Management at The Financial Times!
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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 The Financial Times or be willing to refer you for that Programme Manager, Data Management 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 The Financial Times who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Manager, Data Management star!
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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 Programme Manager, Data Management role at The Financial Times!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager, Data Management in London
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 The Financial Times. 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 The Financial Times
✨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 The Financial Times. 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!
