At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead large-scale data initiatives and drive impactful change in the water industry.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a key player in providing essential services to millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health care, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while shaping the future of data in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in data-focused project delivery and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 73000 - 73000 £ per year.
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water:
- We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience up to £73,000
- Annual incentive related bonus (up to 15% of annual salary)
- Private health care (self only)
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra 2 wellness days!
- A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: West Yorkshire / Hybrid Working (1-2 days in the office a week – Bradford). This role will initially be based in Bradford but we’re moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future.
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager to join the Tech team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.
What we do: Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Technology function is a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.
As a Programme Manager, you’ll lead large-scale data initiatives that unlock real business value enhancing data quality, governance and analytics across the organisation. Working at the heart of change, you’ll engage senior stakeholders, lead high-performing teams, and take programmes from idea to delivery with confidence. This is a high-visibility role where you’ll influence strategy, deliver meaningful outcomes, and leave a lasting mark on how the business uses data.
Where you fit in: As our IT Programme Manager, you will:
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing programme team to deliver against strategic business goals
- Drive end-to-end delivery of complex data programmes, ensuring outcomes are achieved on time, within budget, and to quality standards
- Work closely with Delivery Managers, Programme Managers and Business Change teams to ensure a consistent, best-practice approach
- Champion improvements in data governance, quality, compliance and a data-driven culture
- Shape and define programmes from inception, including business cases, benefits realisation and alignment to strategic objectives
- Manage programme budgets, forecasts and investment decisions in line with governance policies
- Identify and manage risks, issues, dependencies and ensure effective escalation where required
- Engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives, to drive alignment and buy-in
- Lead programme governance, reporting and performance tracking, ensuring transparency and control
- Foster collaboration across business, data and technology teams, including third-party partners
- Promote excellence in health & safety, risk management and operational standards
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Demonstrated expertise in portfolio, programme and project delivery within a data-focused role
- Qualified in recognised project methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, APM, Agile)
- Excellent stakeholder management with strong influencing and interpersonal skills
- Confident communicator with the ability to present to senior leaders
- Experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary delivery teams
- Commercially aware, with strong budget, forecasting and benefits management capability
- Highly organised, with excellent planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills
- Experience working in complex organisations, with an understanding of strategic business drivers
- Passionate about delivering great customer outcomes and driving business performance
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!
If you’ve got experience in delivering large-scale IT, data or digital transformation programmes and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. Closing date for this role is the 15th of July 2026.
Programme Manager - IT, Data & Digital in Bradford employer: Yorkshire Water
At Yorkshire Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private healthcare, an attractive pension scheme, and generous annual leave. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful data initiatives, all while contributing to the well-being of over 5.4 million people in the region. With our upcoming move to Leeds Valley Park, employees can look forward to a modern workspace that enhances collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - IT, Data & Digital in Bradford
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Yorkshire Water values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Yorkshire Water might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Yorkshire Water!
✨Direct Apply to Yorkshire Water
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Yorkshire Water website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - IT, Data & Digital in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Yorkshire Water.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Yorkshire Water. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
