Programme Manager (Permanent, Temporary)

Cross Functional Programme Manager - £750-£850 per day inside IR35 - 6 month contract - London Our client has recently laid out its approach to transformational change, following a significant period of engagement and consultation to make the organization fit for the future against a background of financial, sector and geo-political challenges within higher education. The Strategic Change team, which ultimately reports into the VP Operations, are responsible for driving the enabling aspects of the strategic plan, working closely with functional leaders and experts to deliver improvements in service delivery and user experience across all our enabling functions. Main purpose of the job: Responsible for managing the Functions Programme, which is a portfolio of strategic change and improvement projects and programmes across multiple ‘service lines’ including HR, Finance, IT (ISD), Commercial & Procurement, External Engagement, Estates and Legal, ensuring successful execution and embedding the changes aligned strategy. Ensuring multi- and cross-functional programme plans are robust and achievable with defined KPIs and success criteria attached. Building strong working relationships across the portfolio with Directors of central and shared services functions, leaders and teams located centrally and locally in Faculties to identify opportunities for alignment, resolution of conflicts and to drive delivery. Co-ordinating a multi-disciplined team of variously experienced project and programme managers, change managers and business analysts to define and refine requirements, identify deliverables and KPIs, drive delivery against agreed timelines and support governance processes. Establish robust governance processes appropriate to projects and programmes in the portfolio to provide assurance, oversight, and a route of escalation. Identify areas for continuous improvement to increase programme effectiveness or efficiency. Duties and responsibilities: Program Strategy and Planning: Develop and communicate a clear programme strategy. Create comprehensive programme plans, timelines, and budgets to guide successful execution. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster strong collaboration and regular two-way communication across all enabling Functions and Faculties, recognising this is essential to the successful delivery of this portfolio programme. Ensure alignment of cross-functional activities with the programme goals and objectives and identifying areas for cross collaboration (e.g., on technology solutions) and service dependency. Resource Management: ~ Lead team of project, programme and change managers and business analysts to support defining target operating models, requirements, delivery plans and resources required. Risk Management: ~ Identify potential risks and work with relevant functional teams to develop mitigation plans to minimize programme disruptions or risk to programme landing effectively according to the success criteria. Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality standards for program deliverables. Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure adherence to quality guidelines. Key Skills: Proven experience of successfully leading complex, cross-functional change and transformation programmes in a large, matrix-managed institution - including representing programmes at Executive-level governance forums. Experience of implementing robust project and programme management methodologies and best practice aligned to programme objectives and timescales. Experience of leading broad skilled, multi-disciplined programme teams (including business analysts, project & programme managers, change management and technology professionals etc.) Experience and understanding of best practice Target Operating Models, Service Design and technical architecture and development methodologies across multiple Professional Services functions. Ability to build credibility quickly and develop positive working relationships with stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written. Proven ability to deliver large, complex programmes on time and to budget. A strategic thinker able to work in a rapidly changing, fluid environment and able to balance long term and short-term goals.