Programme Manager

The Programme/Portfolio Manager is responsible for managing the delivery of programmes and/or portfolios of work. They are accountable for quality delivery, on time, on budget and brief. They are also responsible for line management of Senior Project Managers. The Programme/Portfolio Manager plays a key role in the growth and success of Verastar.

Direct Reports: Senior Project Manager(s)

Responsibilities of the role:

• Elicits, documents, and manages programme scope which shows the why, the what, the when, the how and the resource needs.
• Elicits, documents, and manages baseline programme plans at a workable level which show what must be done, by who, in what order and the durations.
• Elicits, documents, and manages risks and issues that are present in programmes, understands importance, timeframes, and ensures clear ownership of them.
• Analyses the interdependencies between projects, programmes, and portfolios: cost, scope, research and development, budgets, schedules, resources.
• Manages scope change requests to programmes, and re-versions scope i.e. the impact on the why, the what, the when, the how and the resource needs.
• Re-versions programme plans as a result of scope change requests.
• Elicits, documents, and manages ideas from senior leaders, understands feasibility, and at the top level the why, the what, the when, the how and resource needs.
• Works with senior leaders to turn ideas into business proposals and manages those proposals through the process to becoming green lit initiatives.
• Works green lit initiatives into the portfolio funnel based on strategic alignment and business value (used together to form prioritisation).
• Schedules, prepares, chairs and playbacks programme/portfolio meetings with programme/portfolio senior leadership to provide steer and direction.
• Performs line management duties for senior project managers including but not limited to coaching, mentoring, sickness, absence, performance, objectives, appraisals etc.
• Reviews scope documentation completed by senior project managers, and coaches and mentors them to strengthen the scope, and deal with scope change.
• Reviews baseline plans completed by senior project managers, and coaches and mentors them to strengthen the plan, and deal with scope change.
• Reviews risk and issue registers completed by senior project managers and coaches and mentors senior project managers to ensure they are being dealt with appropriately.
• Reviews actual project progress and coaches and mentors senior project managers to ensure we remain on track or we re-baseline appropriately.
• Supports senior project managers at project sponsor, steer, and team meetings, and coaches and mentors them to obtain the outcomes and decisions needed.
• Supports senior project managers approaching Go Live and coaches and mentors them to ensure the project is ready for a successful Go Live.
• Supports senior project managers at project closedown and coaches and mentors them to ensure a successful closedown and that BAU responsibilities are clear.
• Reviews lessons learned through projects and works with PMO team to make changes to PMO mode of operation which incorporate lessons learned.

What success in the role looks like:

• Defining, managing, and delivering programme/portfolio outcomes on behalf of the business.
• Comfortable eliciting and capturing business cases from senior leaders.
• Able to analyse and appraise business cases consistently and robustly.
• Successful resource management with respect to both capacity and capability.
• Great feedback from senior management and stakeholders across the business.

What you need to have already done to be right for this role:

• Has at least five years’ experience in the role of project manager delivering a variety of commercial and operational projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proven track record of people management including hiring and performance management.
• Proven track record of project methodology implementation and driving improvements.
• Good knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced transforming organisation, where everything isn’t perfect, but we’re working hard to get there.

The personal capabilities needed to excel in this role:

• Strong leadership and management skills which inspire people to succeed.
• Good judgement, analytical skills, and robust decision-making ability.
• Stakeholder management with ability to lead and influence colleagues and seniors.
• Self-awareness to identify own development needs and the desire to continually improve.
• A confident and concise communication style both written and verbal.
• The ability to find innovative ways to resolve problems.

Qualifications and other requirements:

• Project management qualification (Prince2, APM, Agile).
• Industry Experience: Information Technology, Utilities and/or Service provision, preferred.
• Location: within commuting distance of Verastar HQ, Sale, Manchester.
• IT literate, with knowledge of the effective use of Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• A passion for coaching and mentoring people to succeed in project management.

In return for your hard work, you’ll get:

• Core benefits including pension contributions and life assurance.
• Great discounts on 100s of high street and online stores.
• 25 days holiday rising with service up to 28 days.
• Your birthday off every year.
• Option to buy up to 10 extra holidays and sell up to 5 holidays per year.
• Cycle to work and travel loans for people wanting a greener commute.
• Wellbeing support including 24/7 access to a GP, mental health support, get fit programmes and free legal and financial guidance.

The important extras:

• Hybrid working – option to work three days from home if you choose.
• Opportunities to get involved in charity fundraising and volunteering days through our giving back movement.
• Amazing on-site facilities, such as free on-site gym, free parking, subsidised café and to top it off an on-site subsidised bar for after-work drinks, quiz nights and social events.
• Full time/Permanent contract of 37.5 hours per week.
• No weekends and every bank holiday off.

What happens next:

If you’re looking for a new challenge with great benefits at an award-winning company, then Verastar is the place for you. To be part of our continued success click ‘Apply’ today to take the next step in your career.

Across The Verastar Group, we’re passionate about creating an inclusive team and celebrating our diversity. We want talented people with great skills and matching values to join our teams.

All successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks.