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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver high-impact programmes that drive real change in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Openwork, a forward-thinking company focused on transformation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, generous holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while leading diverse teams and shaping the future of our Change team.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management, ideally in financial services, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
The opportunity
As Programme Director, you’ll be accountable for the successful delivery of Openwork’s most important strategic programmes, driving real change that enables our Value Creation Plan. You’ll lead complex, high‑impact programmes, motivate large cross‑functional teams, and provide strong leadership to Project Managers within the Change & Transformation function. You’ll also help shape the culture, capability and ways of working of our Change team by leading one or more 'practice' pillars. This role is hybrid working, 3 days a week from the Swindon office.
The benefits
- Salary - ÂŁ65,000 to ÂŁ84,000
- Bonus scheme - on target bonus - 15%
- Pension scheme - contribute up to 5% of your salary and Openwork will match you and put in an extra 5%
- Critical illness cover
- Income protection - 1x salary
- Death in service - 4x salary
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays, with the opportunity to buy up to an additional 10 days
- A range of other flexible benefits to include private medical insurance, dental insurance and much more.
Key Accountabilities
- Programme Delivery
- Own the end‑to‑end delivery of key strategic programmes, ensuring intended benefits are realised
- Mobilise programmes with clear objectives, governance, KPIs, resource plans and delivery roadmaps
- Lead delivery across all phases, applying best‑practice frameworks, controls and reporting
- Proactively manage budgets, RAIDDs, risks, issues and dependencies
- Act as the primary point of contact for programme delivery across business, product and technology
- Remove delivery blockers and keep Executive sponsors informed, escalating issues promptly
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, motivate and support large cross‑functional programme and project teams
- Create a collaborative, high‑performance environment with effective communication and knowledge sharing
- Address issues and conflicts constructively to maintain delivery momentum
- Cross‑Portfolio Management
- Manage inter‑programme dependencies, sequencing and conflicts across the change portfolio
- Build strong partnerships with other Programme Directors and contribute to portfolio‑level planning
- Change & Transformation Leadership
- Lead and line‑manage Project Managers and other Change delivery resources
- Drive capability uplift, continuous improvement and best practice across the function
- Improve tools, processes and ways of working, and support the adoption of change standards
- Actively contribute to a positive, ambitious and inclusive Change & Transformation culture
What will you need to succeed?
Experience & Qualifications
- Significant programme management experience, ideally within financial services
- Proven delivery of complex, multi‑stream programmes in fast‑paced, transforming organisations
- Comfortable operating with ambiguity and managing significant programme budgets
- Project management qualification (e.g. APM, PMP, PRINCE2) advantageous
Knowledge
- Strong track record of delivering complex programmes on time, within budget and to agreed outcomes
- Deep understanding of programme lifecycles, change frameworks, tools and techniques
- Experience prioritising change and managing budgets and resources at scale
Skills & Competencies
- Delivery‑focused leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to lead large, cross‑functional teams and influence senior stakeholders
- Highly analytical with strong problem‑solving, decision‑making and critical‑thinking skills
- Confident in managing risk, budgets and delivery plans
- Skilled in negotiation and conflict management
- Organised, adaptable and resilient, with a continuous improvement mindset
- Expertise in project management tools (e.g. MS Project)
Programme Manager employer: The Openwork Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Openwork Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Openwork or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common programme management scenarios. Think about how you’d handle complex projects and team dynamics. We want you to shine when discussing your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and tackled challenges. We love hearing about your successes and how you’ve driven change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who fit our culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex programmes and leading cross-functional teams. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive change at Openwork. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that make you a great fit.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can create a collaborative environment and tackle challenges head-on!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Openwork Partnership
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific programmes that the company is currently running or has recently completed. Understand their objectives, challenges, and outcomes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Programme Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated cross-functional teams in the past. Think about times when you resolved conflicts or drove collaboration. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating a high-performance environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle ambiguity and manage risks. Prepare specific scenarios where you successfully navigated complex challenges. Highlight your analytical thinking and decision-making processes to showcase your capability in delivering successful outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Change Frameworks
Brush up on various change management frameworks and tools relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. This knowledge will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to lead the Change & Transformation function effectively.