We are looking for an ambitious, high-agency, hands-on Strategic Programme Manager to drive critical growth initiatives across the business. This isn't a traditional project management role focused on tracking timelines and updating dashboards. We need a fast-paced, action-oriented operator with sharp commercial acumen and sound business judgment to lead large scale, cross-functional strategic initiatives.
In a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, you excel at driving rapid decisions at the right level and balancing trade-offs to put company goals above team silos. Building strong relationships at every layer allows you to challenge constructively, influence effectively, and deeply understand the operational realities of the teams you work with—fostering genuine cross-functional ownership and accountability. You thrive in ambiguity, and boldly push the business to pivot when a plan isn't delivering results.
Drive strategic execution & commercial impact
- Lead our most critical strategic programs, driving them end-to-end from concept through to measurable business impact.
- Accelerate team velocity by stripping away operational blockers, speeding up decision-making, and keeping momentum high without sacrificing quality.
- Unpick complex cross-functional friction, diagnose the actual systemic bottlenecks, and work with business stakeholders to deploy pragmatic solutions that resolve ambiguity for good.
- Actively investigates dependency details early in the initiative lifecycle to surface hidden blockers, force hard trade-offs, and protect execution timelines.
- Apply strong critical thinking and business judgment to work with teams to surface and navigate trade-offs based on the intended business outcome.
- Ensure decisions are made fast and at the right level with solid business logic, escalating to Senior Leadership strictly as a last resort. Surface choices clearly by bringing well-structured proposals to the table, complete with commercial rationale, evaluated risks, and clear issue mitigations, so that leadership can decide quickly and progress.
Lead cross-functional teams & create clarity
- Navigates ambiguity by grounding cross-functional teams in a clear, shared understanding of core business problems.
- Build deep trust across all layers, enabling you to challenge peers constructively, align conflicting priorities, and enforce true cross-functional ownership.
- Ensure operational readiness across receiving business teams, ensuring operating models and workflows are considered early, so any changes transition smoothly into sustainable, business-as-usual operations.
Executive partnership & alignment
- Ability to build deep alignment and trust with Executive Sponsors. You operate seamlessly with leadership meaning you can push decisions forward, and keep project momentum burning without needing them in every room.
- Prepare and steer formal governance forums (like SteerCos and Leadership team reviews), ensuring monthly touchpoints are focused on meaningful strategic choices rather than status updates.
Strategic Programme Manager in London employer: UNiDAYS
At UNiDAYS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our team members enjoy comprehensive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students worldwide. Located in a vibrant environment, we encourage collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in their careers while supporting the next generation.
