At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex programmes in the insurance sector, engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
- Company: Join Zurich, a global leader in insurance with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, including a generous pension scheme, annual bonuses, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a dynamic environment that values creativity and initiative.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of the insurance industry required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on wellbeing and continuous development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Salary: Attractive salary and benefits package
Location: England, remote with occasional travel to offices
Closing date for applications: 9th January 2026
The opportunity: We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager with an Insurance and Financial Services background. The ability to positively engage, communicate with and influence a broad range of stakeholders will be key to the role, as will the experience of delivering at pace.
What will you be doing?
- Work with PMO to ensure a robust budget is available to support delivery
- Analyse, manage and mitigate programme RAID log
- Monitoring programme execution – progress tracking and status reporting
- Management of interdependencies
- Lead and mentor teams
- Allocation of resources across different projects
- Aligning deliverables to programme outcomes and business benefits
- Articulate business vision effectively on behalf of the sponsor across all stakeholders, anticipate key decision points to support the overall programme success and proactively manage escalations
- Working with senior stakeholders, often at executive level, presenting at meetings such as steering committees and governance forums.
- Deputising for programme director as necessary.
- Ability to work across both business and IT functions, to co-ordinate efficiently how they will deliver the desired outcomes.
What are we looking for?
- Planning and managing high-complexity delivery
- Expert in monitoring and controlling delivery
- Operating within multi-supplier landscape
- Engagement with multiple functions
- Engagement with Exec level and cross-functional stakeholders
- Excellent at setting strategies, interpreting requirements and applying sound judgement
- Strong leadership skills to manage the business and technical SMEs and analysts
- Great teamwork to work collaboratively across the programme
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including with senior stakeholders up to Board level
- Ability to manage organisational change from digitisation in a holistic manner
Specific knowledge and experience:
- Managing projects and programmes experience.
- Managing budgets up to £10m
- Preferred: Prince 2 Practitioner / Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) or equivalent
- An advanced level experience of in business case production and assessment
- Advanced level business acumen
- Expert level communication, and influencing skills and always acts with a high degree of integrity
- Advanced level people management / leadership
- Experience in turning strategy into implementation reality
- Must have demonstrable experience in effective leadership of technical teams
- Must have demonstrable experience in Insurance
What will you get in return? Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
Who we are: At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet. With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.
We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future. If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.
Our Culture: At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.
We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities. We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million. So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us.
Program Manager in Fareham employer: Zurich Insurance Company
Contact Detail:
Zurich Insurance Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Manager in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the insurance and financial services sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially their approach to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, especially when it comes to presenting at steering committees.
✨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 are genuinely interested in joining our community at Zurich.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Programme Manager role. Highlight your background in Insurance and Financial Services, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership and communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and engaged with stakeholders at all levels.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve delivered results, especially in managing budgets and leading teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance Company
✨Know Your Programme Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your programme management skills, especially in the context of insurance and financial services. Be ready to discuss your experience with managing budgets, tracking progress, and handling interdependencies. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves communicating with a broad range of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles, especially at executive levels. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you've mentored others or led cross-functional teams. This will help illustrate your capability to lead and inspire others in a complex environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to programme delivery. Think about potential RAID log issues or resource allocation dilemmas and how you would address them. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.