Programme Manager

Security Industry Authority; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory body is seeking a Programme Manager to lead a new team driving transformative initiatives for public safety. The role involves setting direction, managing multiple workstreams, and collaborating with leaders and experts. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in programme management methodologies, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to coach teams effectively. This full-time position offers a competitive starting salary of £69,001 along with benefits including a pension scheme and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Continued support and development opportunities

Access to training for recognised qualifications

Annual leave entitlement of 27.5 days

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams through the full product cycle.
• Demonstrable knowledge of programme and project management methodologies.
• Coaching experience and fostering collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate delivery across multiple workstreams.
• Set the vision, direction, and pace for the programme.
• Act as the central point of contact for all programme stakeholders.

Skills

Programme management methodologies

Strong problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

Professional qualification in programme management

Tools

PPM tools and techniques

Azure (cloud-based solutions)

Job description

The SIA is the organisation responsible for the regulation of private security. It is an independent, arm's length body (ALB) of the Home Office, reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's purpose is protecting the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. Its regulatory remit covers the whole of the United Kingdom.

The SIA has two main duties: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry and the management of a voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers security operatives who are in guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV, vehicle immobilisation (in Northern Ireland) and key holding. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are fit and proper persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

Programme Manager – Overview

Ready to lead a high‑impact programme that will shape the future of regulation and protect the public? We’re seeking an exceptional Programme Manager to guide a talented but new team of Project Managers, Testers, and Business Analysts as we expand into a brand‑new regulatory function. This is a rare opportunity to drive strategic change at scale, leading complex technical and business programmes that will define how an industry operates and how the public is kept safe.

In this pivotal role, you’ll set the vision, direction, and pace for a suite of transformative initiatives. You’ll orchestrate delivery across multiple workstreams, empower specialists across your programme team, and ensure that every project aligns with our mission to strengthen standards and build trust. From digital capabilities and operational processes to regulatory frameworks and strategic partnerships you’ll be at the centre of it all.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, industry experts, and cross‑organisational partners to turn ambitious ideas into results. Your leadership will ensure our teams stay focused, motivated, and equipped to deliver impactful, measurable change. If you’re an inspiring leader with a passion for public protection, a track record of delivering complex programmes, and the drive to build something new from the ground up, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the vision, direction, and pace for a diversified portfolio of transformative initiatives.
• Orchestrate delivery across multiple workstreams and empower specialists within the programme team.
• Ensure all projects align with the mission to strengthen standards and build trust.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, industry experts, and cross‑organisational partners to translate ideas into results.
• Leader of the programme team, fostering motivation, focus, and execution excellence.
• Drive complex technical and business programmes at scale, influencing regulatory frameworks and operational processes.
• Act as the central point of contact for all programme stakeholders, including the executive and board.

Required Qualifications

• Professional qualification such as Managing Successful Programmes or membership of the Association of Project Management.
• Demonstrable knowledge of programme and project management (PPM) methodologies and the ability to lead on, represent and advocate for a range of PPM tools and techniques.
• Experience leading teams through the full product cycle, identifying appropriate tools, mitigating risks, and driving continuous improvement.
• Evidence of programme and project governance, including assurance to stakeholders such as the Executive and Board.
• Experience with continuous planning, forecasting, estimating, managing uncertainty, metrics, and contingency planning.
• Coaching experience, fostering collaboration, ensuring welfare and wellbeing of teams, and creating an open, inclusive environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, managing dependencies and maintaining delivery momentum.
• Effective communication across technical and non‑technical audiences, building trust and authenticity.
• Financial and commercial management, reporting on delivery, monitoring cost, and creating forecasts.
• Delivery partner management, including overseeing external digital services partners and managing risks and blockages.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of central government controls, digital strategy, and the Better Regulation principles.
• Experience developing a data and digital strategy with strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with cloud‑based solutions, preferably Azure.
• Exposure to infrastructure, communications, and security technologies.
• Senior leadership experience, building strong relationships at a senior level.

Work Conditions & Requirements

• Full‑time role only.
• Minimum pay band salary of £69,001.
• Eligibility for the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme – SIA contributes £19,989.
• National Service eligibility: UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work, EU/Switzerland/… nationals, Turkish nationals with specific rights, and a broadened group of candidates with settled or pre‑settled status.
• Security clearance required; criminal record check will be processed.
• Visa sponsorship not available (Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 not offered).
• Hybrid working may be available; office attendance required as per role demands.

Benefits

• Welcoming and innovative work environment.
• Continued support and development opportunities.
• Access to training for recognised qualifications.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Annual leave entitlement: 27.5 days, increasing by one day for every two years of service up to 32.5 days.
• Variety of discounts (e.g., Gymflex).
• Civil Service Pension scheme – employee contribution 4.60% – 7.35%, employer contribution 26.60% – 30.30%.

Application Process

As part of the application process, applicants are asked to submit a CV and a personal statement (no more than 500 words) outlining why they are an ideal candidate. Relevant skills, experience, and achievements must align with the essential job requirements. In a large applicant pool, selection may be based solely on the personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to further assessment or a full interview.

Key dates (when applicable):

• Sift: 13th January 2026
• Telephone interview: 26th January 2026
• Second interview (MS Teams): 2nd February 2026

Applicants with a disability requiring adjustments may contact Government Recruitment Service at [e-mail]. The “Assistance Required” section of the application form allows applicants to specify required adjustments. Further support for accessibility issues should be directed to the contact email provided in the advert.

Equal Opportunity

The SIA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all suitable candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, disability, or other protections.