Program / Associate Director

Prodapt; Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Prodapt seeks an Associate Director to shape strategic direction, oversee operations and drive organisational growth in Reading. The role partners with senior leadership to define priorities, manage budgets, and lead large-scale programmes, ensuring governance and high performance across functions.

The ideal candidate holds an MBA or equivalent with 10–15+ years of leadership experience in strategy, operations, or programme management, and excels at cross-functional collaboration and change

Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree preferred.
• 10–15+ years of relevant leadership experience.
• Proven track record in strategy, operations, and programme management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with objectives.
• Drive governance, KPI tracking, and performance reporting.
• Lead and mentor teams; allocate resources for success.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost controls.
• Manage large programmes with scope, timelines and quality.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data analysis

Business strategy

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Change management

Education

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The Associate Director plays a strategic leadership role, responsible for driving business outcomes, enabling operational excellence, and contributing to long‑term organizational growth. This position oversees key functional areas, mentors teams, ensures governance, and partners with senior leadership to execute strategic initiatives across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop, refine, and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define annual goals, priorities, and performance targets.
• Oversee business transformation, process optimisation, and change management initiatives.

Operational Excellence

• Drive operational efficiency across teams through continuous improvement and best practices.
• Establish governance models, compliance frameworks, and quality standards.
• Monitor KPIs, service levels, and operational performance, ensuring timely issue resolution.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure productivity and project success.
• Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders, cross‑functional teams, and clients.

Financial Management

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost‑optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure financial discipline and adherence to organisational guidelines.
• Analyse financial and operational data to support business decisions.

Project & Program Leadership

• Lead large‑scale programmes, ensuring scope, timeline, and quality adherence.
• Mitigate risks through proactive planning and stakeholder communication.
• Drive digital tools, automation, and technology adoption for improved efficiency.

Compliance, Governance & Reporting

• Ensure adherence to organisational policies, audit guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare executive‑level dashboards, reports, and business reviews.

Implement internal controls and support risk management functions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Strong domain knowledge (customisable by department: HR, PMO, Operations, IT, Finance, etc.).
• Expertise in data analysis, business strategy, and performance management.
• Proficiency in project management tools and frameworks.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and decision‑making ability.
• Strong stakeholder and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• High ownership and accountability.
• Problem‑solving mindset with a focus on innovation.
• Ability to lead teams through change and ambiguity.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (MBA or equivalent preferred).
• 10‑15+ years of relevant professional experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in strategy, operations, programme management, or related domains.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of strategic and operational targets.
• Team performance and engagement scores.
• Improvement in process efficiency and cost optimisation.
• Quality of project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Compliance with governance, reporting, and audit standards.