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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes that enhance public services and improve citizen outcomes.
- Company: Empyrean Digital, a leader in user-centred digital service design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector transformation and shape impactful services.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex programmes and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed to improving lives through innovative solutions.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hybrid / Client Site (UK Public Sector), Liverpool & London
Company: Empyrean Digital
Salary: ÂŁ85,000 pa
About Empyrean Digital
Empyrean Digital partners with public and private sector organisations to design and deliver impactful, user-centred digital services. We combine strategy, service design, governance and delivery expertise to help clients solve complex problems and improve outcomes for citizens. We work at the heart of major transformation programmes, supporting organisations to design services that are inclusive, sustainable and aligned to Government Digital Service (GDS) standards.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, multi-million‑pound service transformation programmes within the UK public sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for 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 approaches. This role requires a confident, credible leader who can operate at Board level while driving pace and performance across multidisciplinary delivery teams, designing transformed services to UK citizens.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead large‑scale, multi‑million‑pound transformation programmes across digital and service environments.
- Establish and mobilise programme governance structures aligned to public sector best practice.
- Oversee delivery across discovery, alpha, beta and live phases in line with GDS service standards.
- Ensure clear scope, outcomes, milestones, dependencies and benefits tracking.
- Drive programme performance, pace and accountability across multiple workstreams.
- Design and implement proportionate governance, risk and reporting frameworks.
- Provide accurate, impactful reporting to SROs, Boards and governance forums.
- Manage programme risk, interdependencies and critical path activities.
- Support and prepare teams for GDS service assessments and other assurance gateways.
- Build strong relationships with Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), Executive Directors and policy leads.
- Provide strategic advice and challenge at senior levels.
- Align digital delivery with organisational strategy, policy intent and operational readiness.
- Navigate complex political and organisational environments.
- Manage multi‑million‑pound budgets, forecasts and financial controls.
- Oversee commercial arrangements and supplier performance where applicable.
- Ensure value for money and benefits realisation across the programme lifecycle.
- Lead and mentor delivery managers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency and continuous improvement.
- Support clients in building sustainable internal programme capability.
- Contribute to Empyrean Digital’s internal growth, thought leadership and delivery standards.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience designing and delivering complex, multi‑million‑pound service transformation programmes within the public sector.
- Strong understanding of GDS Service Standard and digital delivery lifecycle (Discovery, Alpha, Beta, Live).
- Experience establishing programme governance and delivery frameworks.
- Experience leading programmes through GDS service assessments.
- Background in consultancy or client‑side advisory roles.
- Experience in local or central government transformation.
- Demonstrable experience managing senior stakeholders at Board and Executive level.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape high‑impact public services.
- Exposure to major government transformation programmes.
- Collaborative and values‑driven culture.
- Professional development and leadership opportunities.
At Empyrean Digital, we are committed to designing services that genuinely improve citizens’ lives. If you are passionate about service design, systems thinking and public sector transformation, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Programme Manager employer: Vargo Group
Contact Detail:
Vargo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Empyrean Digital and their projects. Understand their approach to service transformation and GDS standards. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led complex programmes and managed stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Empyrean Digital and contributing to meaningful public sector transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with complex, multi-million-pound service transformation programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the role and the impact you've made in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and accountability in past projects, especially in public sector environments.
Highlight Your GDS Knowledge: Since this role requires a strong understanding of GDS Service Standards, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with the digital delivery lifecycle. We’re keen to see how you’ve navigated GDS assessments and implemented best practices.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
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 before your interview. Understanding these standards will not only show that you're serious about the role but also that you can align with the company's mission to deliver user-centred digital services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led complex, multi-million-pound transformation programmes in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing multidisciplinary teams and how you’ve driven performance and accountability across various workstreams.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and trends in the UK public sector. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for citizens.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've managed senior stakeholders at Board and Executive levels. Have specific examples ready that highlight your communication and influencing skills, as well as your ability to navigate complex political environments.