Technical Programme Manager

Technical Programme Manager

Full-Time 58500 - 71500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
UCAS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage complex projects to achieve UCAS' strategic goals.
  • Company: Join UCAS, the leading admissions service connecting people to higher education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, 30 days leave, and wellness support.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing technical projects and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.

Location: South West, Gloucestershire, Rosehill - Hybrid

Contract Type: Full Time

About UCAS: UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.

Business Unit description: The purpose of our People and Change team is to motivate and mobilise our people to deliver organisational change, enabling us to stay ahead of customer expectations and provide exceptional service.

About the role:

  • To plan, execute, and complete a programme of work to achieve UCAS’ strategic objectives.
  • Overseeing individual projects directly as well as coordinating the duties of one or more project managers.

Key accountabilities:

  • Plan, execute, and complete multiple large and complex streams of work to achieve a common goal and business objectives.
  • Facilitate the writing of business cases, including helping to define objectives and scope.
  • Coordinate and supervise the duties of one or more project managers to ensure quality of service.
  • Coach and develop team members.
  • Work with project managers, senior and executive management, and cross-functional teams to plan schedules, budgets and goals.
  • Coordinate multiple teams across different professional disciplines to create programme timelines and milestones.
  • Identify and manage dependencies, working closely with the product-focused multi-disciplinary Teams (MDTs).
  • Manage programme level risks implementing innovative and pragmatic solutions.

Skills, qualifications, and experience:

  • Strong background in managing large-scale, complex technical projects or programmes.
  • A background in software development, data science or engineering.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Proven track record of utilising different project management approaches.
  • Extensive experience of working in Agile/Scrum environment.
  • Experience of managing and developing a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Experience of managing offshore/onshore teams.
  • Substantial experience of budget and supplier management.
  • Possesses tenacity, drive and a proactive approach.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key project stakeholders.
  • A high degree of personal initiative.

Package:

  • Salary – up to £65,000
  • Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation.
  • Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications.
  • Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility.
  • 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays.
  • Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox.
  • Onsite facilities including a free gym, subsidised café, and free parking.
  • Inclusive culture supported by employee networks.
  • Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme.

At UCAS, we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process.

Technical Programme Manager employer: UCAS

UCAS is an exceptional employer, offering a purpose-driven work environment that connects individuals to higher education opportunities. With a strong commitment to employee growth through internal training and access to industry-recognised certifications, UCAS fosters an inclusive culture supported by various employee networks and wellbeing initiatives. The hybrid working model, generous leave policies, and onsite facilities further enhance the overall employee experience, making it a rewarding place to work in Cheltenham.

UCAS

Contact Details:

UCAS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Programme Manager

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 Technical Programme Manager at UCAS!

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 UCAS or be willing to refer you for that Technical Programme Manager 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 UCAS who’s on the lookout for their next Technical Programme Manager 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 Technical Programme Manager role at UCAS!

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Programme Manager

Project Management
Agile/Scrum
Technical Communication
Team Management
Stakeholder Management
Budget Management
Supplier Management

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 UCAS. 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 UCAS

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 UCAS. 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!