At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee complex programmes, ensuring strategic alignment and financial performance.
- Company: Join OLIVER, a pioneer in bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Drive innovation and creativity while making a real impact in a global studio.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in managing large global programmes and strong leadership skills.
Established in 2004, OLIVER is the world’s first and only specialist in designing, building, and running bespoke in-house agencies and marketing ecosystems for brands. We partner with over 300 clients in 40+ countries and counting. Our unique model drives creativity and efficiency, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions that resonate deeply with audiences.
As a part of The Brandtech Group, we're at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionise how we create and deliver work. Our AI solutions enhance efficiency, spark creativity, and drive insightful decision-making, empowering our teams to produce innovative and impactful results.
About the role
The Programme Director oversees medium‑to‑large account portfolios with significant organisational scope, owning delivery, operations, and commercial performance. This role requires advanced programme leadership, strong client stewardship, and the ability to drive programme vision while managing multiple priorities across diverse studio teams and external stakeholders.
This role sits within a global in‑house studio based in Amsterdam, built for a leading international home appliances brand. While the studio context is global and social‑first, the priority of this role is programme health, operational excellence, and financial accountability. The Programme Director is accountable for gross profit, revenue forecasting, and programme optimisation, partnering closely with executive leadership to ensure sustainable growth and high‑quality delivery at scale.
What you will be doing
- Own and lead medium‑to‑complex programmes (€2.5M-€6M), ensuring strategic alignment, strong delivery, and financial performance.
- Act as senior client lead and strategic partner across global stakeholders.
- Drive programme vision, managing change across teams, markets, and disciplines.
- Maintain accountability for end‑to‑end delivery health across multiple workstreams.
- Establish KPIs, track performance, and manage risks and dependencies.
- Continuously optimise workflows, governance, and ways of working to improve efficiency and quality.
- Own programme gross profit, forecasting, and cost control.
- Lead scenario planning and corrective actions to protect financial targets.
- Approve and manage operational decisions that impact commercial performance.
- Shape integrated solutions across people, process, and technology.
- Lead transformational initiatives and apply learnings to improve future delivery.
- Partner with senior leadership on solution design and evolution.
- Oversee resource planning and utilisation across programmes.
- Lead, mentor, and develop senior teams, ensuring clear roles and accountability.
- Partner with client leadership to ensure effective governance and reporting structures.
What you need to be great in this role
- Extensive experience running large, complex global programmes in agencies or in‑house studios.
- Senior leadership background across digital, social and content ecosystems.
- Strong client presence and commercial mindset.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building things that don’t yet exist.
- A mix of strategic thinking, operational rigour and people leadership.
Our values shape everything we do:
- Be Ambitious to succeed
- Be Imaginative to push the boundaries of what’s possible
- Be Inspirational to do groundbreaking work
- Be always learning and listening to understand
- Be Results-focused to exceed expectations
- Be actively pro-inclusive and anti-racist across our community, clients and creations
OLIVER, a part of the Brandtech Group, is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All applicants shall be considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, neurodivergence, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local laws.
OLIVER has set ambitious environmental goals around sustainability, with science-based emissions reduction targets. Collectively, we work towards our mission, embedding sustainability into every department and through every stage of the project lifecycle.
Programme Director employer: twentysix
At OLIVER, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer that fosters creativity and innovation within a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Located in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, our hybrid work model offers flexibility while empowering employees to lead impactful projects for renowned global brands. With a strong commitment to professional development and sustainability, we provide our team with the tools and opportunities to excel in their careers while making a positive difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director
✨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 Director at twentysix!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
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 twentysix or be willing to refer you for that Programme Director 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 twentysix who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Director star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
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 Director role at twentysix!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director
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 twentysix. 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 twentysix
✨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 twentysix. 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!
