At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a complex transformation programme, ensuring clarity and structure in planning and delivery.
- Company: Join TrueNorth, a dynamic organisation driving major operational changes.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformation, collaborating with diverse teams to drive success.
- Qualifications: Experience in ERP programmes and strong planning skills are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
TrueNorth are supporting a large, complex UK-based organisation undergoing a major ERP and critical operations transformation programme. We are looking for a Programme Planning & Delivery Lead to help stabilise delivery, bring structure to planning, and support the programme through a critical phase of execution.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on bringing clarity, structure, and control to a complex transformation programme. You will work closely with programme leadership, project managers, business stakeholders, and systems integrators to:
- Develop a fully integrated, detailed programme plan (using MS Project)
- Align multiple workstreams into a coherent delivery roadmap
- Identify and actively manage dependencies across projects and functions
- Build a bottom-up resource plan, with visibility at individual level
- Support programme re-baselining, including timeline, scope, and cost considerations
- Introduce practical planning disciplines that can be adopted by internal teams
- Improve confidence, visibility, and coordination across delivery
This is not a purely governance role — you will be expected to roll up your sleeves, work directly with teams, and create plans that are both realistic and usable. Once the programme is stabilized and re-baselined you will work on Business Planning and Portfolio Management across the organisation - aligning workstreams to meaningful OKRs driving delivery.
Key skills and experience needed
- Experience in complex transformation or ERP programmes
- Strong expertise in programme planning, dependency management, and resource modelling
- The ability to build credible, detailed plans quickly, even in ambiguous environments
- Confidence working across PMs, senior stakeholders, and third-party partners
- A persuasive and influential approach — able to bring people with you rather than impose process
- Comfort operating in environments that are fast-moving, imperfect, and evolving
Equally important is your mindset:
- Positive, energetic, and solutions-focused
- Calm under pressure and able to create clarity in complexity
- Supportive and collaborative, while still able to challenge constructively
- Comfortable navigating organisational dynamics without getting drawn into them
Contract and rate
The role is likely to be a 12 month contract initially, inside IR35, with a negotiable day rate depending on the candidate and their experience.
Location
The organisation is based in Newcastle, its not a strict hybrid working schedule however onsite presence will be key to the success of this role so being able to come to office between 1-3 days per week, depending on need, is essential.
Availability
The successful candidate should be available to start ideally immediately, however we could wait up to 4 weeks for the right person.
Programme Delivery Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: TrueNorth®
Contact Detail:
TrueNorth® Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Delivery Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Programme Delivery Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s recent projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their needs and can bring clarity and structure to their transformation programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed complex programmes in the past. Highlight your ability to build credible plans and manage dependencies – that’s what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Delivery Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Programme Delivery Lead. Highlight your experience in complex transformation programmes and your skills in programme planning and resource modelling. We want to see how you can bring clarity and structure to our projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed dependencies and built credible plans in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: In your application, emphasise your ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can influence and persuade without imposing processes. Let us know how you’ve navigated organisational dynamics in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at TrueNorth®
✨Know Your Programme Planning Tools
Make sure you're familiar with MS Project and any other tools relevant to programme planning. Brush up on how to create detailed plans and manage dependencies, as this will be a key part of the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Style
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders. Emphasise your persuasive approach and how you've successfully navigated complex organisational dynamics in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous transformation programmes. Share specific instances where you brought clarity and structure to chaotic situations, showcasing your calmness under pressure.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research TrueNorth and their current projects. Understand their goals and values, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of driving delivery and achieving meaningful OKRs.