At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex programmes to modernise data and transform technology at the Financial Times.
- Company: Join a globally recognised news organisation committed to integrity and quality journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and a flexible hybrid working model.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values unique perspectives and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture while developing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large-scale transformation programmes and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ 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. 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
We're looking for a Principal Programme Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex, strategic programmes that support the FT's data modernisation ambitions and wider technology transformation. As part of the Delivery Management function within the Portfolio discipline, you'll combine hands-on programme leadership with a commitment to developing delivery excellence across Product & Technology. You'll lead large, complex programmes from concept through implementation, working with cross-functional teams, senior stakeholders and third-party partners to deliver meaningful business outcomes. Alongside programme delivery, you'll help strengthen our project and programme management capability by mentoring Delivery Managers, promoting best practice and contributing to the continuous improvement of our delivery framework.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex, multi-year technology and business transformation programmes from initiation through delivery and implementation.
- Develop and maintain effective programme governance, ensuring risks, dependencies, timelines and decisions are proactively managed.
- Build strong relationships with Product, Technology, Data and business stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
- Work closely with third-party suppliers and partners, ensuring delivery commitments and programme objectives remain aligned.
- Tailor Agile, Lean, traditional or hybrid delivery approaches to suit programme and team needs.
- Drive programme excellence by identifying opportunities to improve delivery frameworks, governance and portfolio practices.
- Provide coaching, mentoring and practical support to Delivery Managers, helping build capability across the Portfolio discipline.
- Present programme updates, risks and recommendations clearly to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that encourages continuous improvement and cross-functional partnership.
Required Skills and Experience
- Significant experience leading large-scale, complex transformation programmes within technology or digital environments.
- Proven track record delivering enterprise-wide programmes involving multiple workstreams, third-party suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Excellent programme planning, governance, dependency management and risk management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing large programme budgets and delivering measurable business value.
- Outstanding stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging senior executives and Board-level stakeholders.
- Experience adapting Agile, Lean, traditional and hybrid delivery methodologies to suit different delivery environments.
- Strong vendor and supplier management experience, with the ability to build collaborative partnerships.
- Excellent communication, influencing and leadership skills, with a passion for coaching and developing others.
Desirable
- Experience leading data modernisation, enterprise technology or digital transformation programmes.
- Experience developing programme management frameworks or centres of excellence.
- Familiarity with modern product delivery practices and portfolio management environments.
- Experience within media, publishing, subscription or technology-led organisations.
What's in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.
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. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or 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, please email talent@ft.com 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.
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.
Interested in the FT but don’t see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT.
Programme Manager, Data Modernisation 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 Modernisation 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 Modernisation 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 Modernisation position!
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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 Modernisation role at The Financial Times!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager, Data Modernisation 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!
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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!
