Program Manager

Cognify Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a Program Manager for an 18-month outside IR35 contract. This role focuses on leading a significant data transformation initiative for a well-known UK tech business. The successful candidate will manage complex delivery across various workstreams, ensuring that data products and platforms evolve effectively. Strong experience in managing large-scale data transformations and excellent communication skills are essential for driving successful change.

Qualifications

• Experience running complex change initiatives as a Program or Delivery Manager.
• Proven track record of large-scale data transformations, including platform migrations.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Experience driving change alongside delivery and ensuring adoption.

Responsibilities

• Own the overall programme roadmap and keep delivery on track across workstreams.
• Work closely with senior leaders in data, engineering, and product to ensure clear plans.
• Manage risks early and support new ways of working around data.

Skills

Program Management

Change Management

Data Transformation

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

Data platforms

Communication

Job description

Overview

Program Manager for a high-profile Data Transformation / 18-month Outside IR35 Contract

We’re hiring a Program Manager to lead a high-profile data transformation for a well-known UK tech business.

This role sits at the centre of a major shift in how data is delivered and used across the organisation. The focus is on building a more scalable, product-led approach to data that supports better decision-making and future AI use cases.

The Program Manager will take ownership of delivery across a complex, multi-stream programme. This is a hands-on role, suited to someone comfortable balancing delivery, stakeholder management, and change.

The programme

The programme is in its early stages of delivery and will run for up to 18 months. The immediate priority is tightening planning, improving execution, and creating clearer visibility across workstreams.

• Data products - Leading the delivery of reusable data products that serve multiple parts of the business.
• Data platform - Overseeing the evolution of a modern cloud-based data platform, simplifying the existing landscape and enabling scale.
• People, enablement and change - Supporting new ways of working around data, including ownership, adoption, and self-service.

The programme operates in a matrix setup, working across multiple teams and functions. You’ll need to be comfortable navigating differing priorities and influencing without direct authority.

The role

You’ll own the overall programme roadmap and be responsible for keeping delivery on track across workstreams.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders across data, engineering, and product, ensuring plans are clear, progress is visible, and risks are managed early.

This role suits someone who can bring structure and pace to complex environments, without over-engineering process.

What the client is looking for

• A strong Programme or Delivery Manager with experience running complex change initiatives.
• A track record of delivering large-scale data transformations, including platform migrations and modern data architectures.
• Solid technical understanding of contemporary data environments, without needing to be hands-on.
• Clear, confident communication skills, able to translate complex delivery into simple, meaningful updates for senior stakeholders.
• Experience driving change alongside delivery, ensuring new capabilities are adopted rather than just delivered.
• Comfort working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments where plans need to evolve.