Chief Programme Officer

Solus - an Aviva company; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vehicle repair organization located in Milton Keynes is seeking a Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to lead strategic transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in change management and governance, alongside strong leadership qualities. This executive role offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and additional benefits like a company pension and health support. Join us to shape the future of our business and the industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunity

Company pension scheme

33 days holiday

Discounts on Aviva products

Access to wellbeing tools

Qualifications

• Proven and demonstrable experience in change implementation.
• Ability to design and initiate complex projects and programmes.
• Knowledge of governance, risk management, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and governance of enterprise-wide change programmes.
• Drive transformation in operations, technology, and culture.
• Partner with leadership to deliver strategic roadmaps.

Skills

Change implementation

Governance and process improvements

Team leadership

Risk management

Excellent leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication skills

Innovation fostering

Education

Change management qualifications (Prosci, APMG)

Project management qualifications (PMP, PRINCE2)

Job description

Overview

Solus – An Aviva company – is embarking on a major organisational evolution. Following the acquisition of Direct Line Group, you will have the chance to impact the direction of our business and industry. We’re looking for a Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to be at the heart of a transformation that will influence how we operate and collaborate across key areas of the business.

We offer a collaborative, values-driven culture with a strong focus on innovation and growth as our new CPO.

Responsibilities

Solus is the market-leading, award-winning Accident Repair Network – part of the Aviva Group. We are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional customer service. We are seeking a visionary Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to lead our strategic change agenda and drive our Change agenda across the organisation.

As CPO, you will be the architect and driver of our change and transformation programmes. You will lead a portfolio of strategic initiatives aimed at modernising operations, enhancing customer experience, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

• Lead the design, execution, and governance of enterprise-wide change programmes aligned with business strategy
• Drive transformation across operations, technology, people, and culture to deliver measurable outcomes
• Partner with the Solus MD and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the long-term strategic roadmap
• Own the business Change Process (SCA) and surrounding governance
• Champion a culture of agility, innovation, and accountability across the organisation
• Engage and influence stakeholders in a complex environment, ensuring alignment and buy-in for change initiatives including internal teams, senior leadership, the Solus Board, Aviva support and governance functions, suppliers, partners, and the wider business community
• Monitor programme performance, manage risks, and ensure benefits realisation

This is a pivotal executive role that requires a blend of strategic thinking, operational execution and inspirational leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven and demonstrable experience in change implementation, governance and process improvements, team leadership and risk management
• Ability to design, organise and initiate complex projects and programmes, setting them up for success
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder and communication skills
• Experience in strategic planning and alignment of change initiatives
• Knowledge of financial cost management, governance, risk management, and compliance
• Familiarity with change management methodologies and tools
• Ability to foster innovation and stay abreast of industry trends
• Change management qualifications (e.g., Prosci, APMG) are beneficial but not mandatory
• Project management qualifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) are beneficial
• Integrity, honesty, and openness combined with a commitment to a good governance framework
• Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation in pursuit of business growth and success
• Flexible with travel

About Solus

Solus, owned by Aviva, is one of the UK’s leaders in vehicle repairs, returning cars to the road in just 11 days on average with a 4.6/5 star customer rating. We have an award-winning apprenticeship programme and are recognised with other industry awards for shaping the future of vehicle repair.

Why Join Solus?

We offer a range of benefits and opportunities for Solus colleagues:

• Competitive salary based on location, skills, experience, and qualifications
• Bonus opportunity tied to your performance and the overall success of Solus
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Save money with up to 40% discount on Aviva products and other retailer discounts
• Share in Aviva’s success through the Aviva Save As You Earn scheme
• Supportive policies including parental and carers leave
• Wellbeing focus with tools like Group Income Protection and 24/7 GP access

At Solus, we value inclusivity and welcome all applicants. If you’re excited but don’t tick every box, we encourage you to apply—your unique skills might be just what we need.

We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria. Just contact us after applying to let us know.

Ready to join us? Apply online today, and our team will be in touch within 14 days.

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