Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes in the UK public sector, ensuring top-notch delivery and governance.
- Company: Join Vargo, a forward-thinking company dedicated to impactful public sector transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale transformation and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Remote (UK) Predominantly remote with travel to client locations where required.
Salary: up to £85,000 + benefits
Vargo is looking for an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, multi-million-pound service transformation programmes within the UK public sector. You will provide end-to-end programme leadership, from mobilisation and governance design through to delivery oversight and benefits realisation, ensuring alignment with GDS standards and best practice digital delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead high-value digital and business transformation programmes across complex environments.
- Develop and implement programme governance frameworks aligned with public sector standards and best practice.
- Manage delivery through Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases in accordance with GDS principles.
- Define programme objectives, deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and benefits tracking measures.
- Drive delivery performance, ownership, and accountability across multiple programme workstreams.
- Establish effective governance, risk management, and reporting processes appropriate to programme scale.
- Deliver accurate and concise updates to SROs, Boards, and governance committees.
- Oversee programme risks, dependencies, and key delivery milestones across the critical path.
- Support teams in preparing for GDS assessments, assurance reviews, and gateway approvals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with SROs, senior executives, and policy stakeholders.
- Provide strategic guidance, insight, and constructive challenge at senior leadership level.
- Ensure digital initiatives align with organisational priorities and operational preparedness.
- Navigate and deliver effectively within politically sensitive and complex environments.
- Manage programme finances, forecasting activities, and budget controls.
- Oversee supplier relationships, commercial contracts, and delivery performance.
- Drive cost-effectiveness and value throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Lead, coach, and support delivery managers and cross-functional teams.
- Encourage a culture of collaboration, openness, and continuous improvement.
- Help clients build long-term internal delivery and programme management capability.
Requirements
- Proven experience delivering large-scale, complex transformation programmes within the public sector.
- Strong understanding of the GDS Service Standard and the end-to-end digital delivery lifecycle, including Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases.
- Experience designing and implementing governance and programme delivery structures.
- Experience leading programmes through GDS service assessments and assurance processes.
- Background in consultancy or providing strategic client-side advisory services.
- Experience supporting transformation initiatives within local or central government.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and manage senior stakeholders at Board and Executive level.
Senior Programme Manager in London employer: Vargo Group
Contact Detail:
Vargo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Programme Manager role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on GDS standards and best practices. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key concepts and examples from your past experiences that align with the job description. This will help you shine when discussing your programme management expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific stories where you led complex transformation programmes. Highlight how you managed risks, built relationships, and drove performance across teams. We want to see your impact!
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that Senior Programme Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience with large-scale transformation programmes and GDS standards. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 role. Share specific examples of your programme leadership and how you've navigated complex environments in the past.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to engage and manage senior stakeholders. We love seeing candidates who can build strong relationships and provide strategic guidance at the executive level.
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, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vargo Group
✨Know Your GDS Standards
Make sure you brush up on the Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and principles. Being able to discuss how you've applied these in past projects will show that you understand the framework and can lead programmes effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led complex transformation programmes before. Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams and driving performance, as this role requires strong leadership to navigate through various phases of delivery.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and trends in the UK public sector. This knowledge will help you engage with senior stakeholders and demonstrate your strategic insight during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges in programme management and be ready to share those stories.