At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major programmes and projects, shaping governance and managing stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join Virgin, a bold brand with a collaborative culture and a focus on transformation.
- Benefits: Unlimited leave, flexible working, health care, and a learning budget for your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while enjoying an extraordinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex programmes, strong stakeholder management, and resilience in challenges.
- Other info: Embrace a community that values uniqueness and supports your whole self.
The predicted salary is between 76000 - 84500 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Programme Manager who thrives on bringing clarity to complexity and building strong relationships along the way. You’ll lead major programmes, or groups of connected projects, across a fast-moving enterprise portfolio, shaping governance, managing interdependencies and aligning stakeholders to deliver outcomes that really matter. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, cross-functional teams and one of our key airline partners, navigating priorities, building trust and keeping everyone moving in the same direction. It’s hands-on, high-impact work at the heart of transformation across Virgin.
Lead and shape major programmes or groups of aligned projects across technology, data, operational and commercial change.
- Build and manage integrated programme plans, navigating dependencies and critical paths.
- Embed and evolve strong governance and clear reporting for senior leaders and decision-making forums.
- Own programme-level risks, issues and dependencies, keeping delivery on track.
- Partner closely with delivery and technology teams across Virgin and with a key airline partner.
- Manage budgets, suppliers and resources to ensure value and impact.
- Continuously improve how we deliver, embedding lessons learned and raising the bar.
What you’ll need:
- Strong experience delivering complex, cross-functional programmes in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders and navigating complex partner relationships.
- Tenacity and resilience, with the ability to keep programmes moving forward through ambiguity and challenge.
- The ability to zoom out to see the big picture - and zoom in when detail matters.
- Experience managing significant programme budgets and third-party suppliers.
- A flexible approach to delivery, blending agile and structured methodologies where needed.
- Loyalty programme experience would be a bonus; airline or travel sector exposure is helpful but not essential.
The extra details:
- Role type: Permanent, full-time.
- Location: London – Hybrid & your home space (with occasional travel to Crawley, Sussex).
- Salary: £76,000–84,500 plus bonus.
- Working hours: Full time - We embrace flexible working.
- Benefits: Our benefits package isn’t just a list - it’s your ticket to an extraordinary career and life.
We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce.
Program Manager employer: Virgin Red
Contact Detail:
Virgin Red Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Virgin, especially those in programme management roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just land you a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Virgin's values and how they align with your experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex projects and built strong relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Highlight times when you've blended agile and structured methodologies to deliver results. This will resonate well with the fast-paced environment at Virgin.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Virgin family.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Programme Management Skills: When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex programmes. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've navigated dependencies and influenced stakeholders in fast-paced environments.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for programme management and how it aligns with our values at Virgin Red.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your ability to build relationships and manage interdependencies, as these are key to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Red
✨Understand the Programme Landscape
Before your interview, take some time to research Virgin's current programmes and projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to governance and stakeholder management. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves managing complex partner relationships, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build trust and navigate challenges. Think of specific instances where you successfully influenced senior stakeholders or resolved conflicts.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Budget Management
As a Programme Manager, you'll need to manage significant budgets. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget oversight, including how you've ensured value and impact in previous roles. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used to keep track of finances.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The job description mentions a flexible approach to delivery. Prepare to share examples of how you've blended agile and structured methodologies in past projects. This will show that you can adapt to different situations and still deliver results.