It Programme Manager

Description:

Operating across the whole of the UK with a combined budget of more than £6 billion, UK Research and Innovation was established in 2018 to bring together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. UKRI will build on the successful elements from the current funding system and maximise the contribution of each of the component parts to create the best environment for research and innovation to flourish. Job Purpose The role will specifically lead several technology change projects under a single programme of activity; manage internal and external interdependencies, including oversight of any risks and issues arising that could impact DDaT realising the outcomes of benefit against the investment it's made. The role will report to the Head of Portfolio Delivery and will be accountable for the successful management of a programme, co-ordination and delivery of the programme's various projects, its dependencies (internal and external), key milestones and critical path. The post will develop and maintain the programme environment to support each project, including the leadership, line management, and task management of project managers within the programme. Key Responsibilities The successful post holder will be responsible for leading a large scale technical or digital Programme, including planning and designing the programme and proactively monitoring its progress, resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective action You will be responsible for ensuring effective quality assurance and the programme's overall integrity - focusing inwardly on the internal consistency of the programme, and outwardly on its coherence with other programmes, and to corporate, technical and specialist standards As the programme progresses, you will manage the reporting for the programme's budget: monitoring expenditure and costs and making recommendations to the Head of Portfolio delivery regarding a variance to budget Your team will consist of a mix of permanent employees and contingent labour; you will deploy individuals to project teams and ensure the allocation of shared resources and skills within the programme's individual projects Working closely with peers, you will manage both the dependencies and the interfaces between projects within the programme and be the escalation route for decisions You will ensure the delivery of new products or services to the appropriate level of quality, on time and within budget, following the programme plan and programme governance arrangements, initiating extra activities and other management interventions wherever gaps in the programme are identified or issues arise. Experience To be successful in this post, we anticipate you will require the following experience: Leading cross-functional programme teams and the allocation and co-ordination of resources Leading the successful delivery of significant Technology or Digital Projects/Programmes across a whole organisation or multiple departments/stakeholders Working in an environment of uncertainty and continual change, making decisions and setting direction without having the complete picture with the ability to re-focus as details emerge, using your experience to reduce ambiguity Planning, leading and effecting positive cultural change, securing commitment and buy-in and promoting a positive long-term vision and recognising when broader culture change is necessary to deliver a project or programme's outcomes and benefits Credibility to advise project teams regarding the delivery of their individual projects in relation to the programme, including interdependencies, slippages, budgets, etc Highly developed communication, written and presentation skills with experience of professionally interacting with a diverse group including executives, managers, and subject matter experts, whilst maintaining awareness of politics and understanding how to communicate difficult/sensitive information. Skills Principles and techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling programmes Budgeting and resource allocation procedures Influence, change and impact decisions with both internal and external stakeholders Ability to create compelling and robust business case. Recognise, anticipate and effectively deal with existing or potential conflicts at an individual, team or strategic level Engage, motivate and coach others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others Create and present a compelling vision and set clear direction, motivating others to achieve a common goal Knowledge of Microsoft Project, Visio and other project management related software and tools. Qualifications We are looking for applications from individuals who have the following qualifications Essential A detailed knowledge of project management tools, methodology and best practice, e.g. MSP or Prince2 A Bachelor's degree coupled with solid experience in Programme Management. Desirable A Certification in Portfolio, Programme & Project Management Office (P3O); and/or Portfolio, Programme & Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3).