Programme Manager (Finance Ops Transformation)

M&G; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Flexible working

30 days annual leave

Parental leave

Job summary

M&G in Edinburgh is seeking a senior leader to head large-scale Finance Operations transformation programmes. You will deliver end-to-end initiatives across Finance, Operations, Technology, Risk and partners, shaping the target operating model and realising benefits.

You will establish governance, manage complex dependencies, optimise plans, and ensure regulatory alignment, with a focus on driving efficiency, automation, and sustainable change across a global organisation.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large-scale Finance transformation programmes.
• Ability to manage benefits realisation and operating model change.
• Proven governance and stakeholder management across global organisations.
• Background in regulated environments and financial services.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex transformation projects.
• Establish and lead programme governance and steering committees.
• Identify dependencies and manage risks to maximise benefits.
• Ensure funding and resources approvals and budget controls.
• Collaborate with Finance Operations and other sectors to design operating model.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Programme governance

Change management

AI & automation

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

PRINCE2

MSP

PMP

Job description

• Reporting to the Change and Transformation Director, this role will lead large-scale Finance Operations transformation programmes comprising multiple interdependent projects and workstreams
• The role is accountable for delivering strategic business outcomes, benefits realisation, operating model transformation and organisational change across Finance, Operations, Technology, Risk and external partners, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory and governance requirements
• Partner with Finance Operations leadership and subject-matter experts to define the target operating model, redesign end-to-end processes and identify opportunities for simplification, standardisation, automation and improved control
• Own the end to end delivery of highly complex Finance transformation projects, identifying key business stakeholders; leading on defining business case, project objectives, scope, resources and agreed set of expected benefits and outcomes
• Establish and lead programme governance, including Steering Committees, Executive forums and decision-making bodies, ensuring effective escalation and resolution of issues
• Provide an integrated programme view of delivery activity to assess deliverability, dependencies, capacity constraints and the effective sequencing of change initiatives alongside BAU priorities
• Identify, manage and influence cross-programme and enterprise-wide dependencies to protect delivery timelines and business outcomes
• Establish quantified benefit baselines, measures, ownership and tracking arrangements, ensuring benefits are embedded within business plans and sustained following implementation. Hold business sponsors and benefit owners accountable for the delivery and measurement of agreed programme outcomes and benefits
• Lead from the front to partner with the business to plan and design programmes that are aligned to the organisational strategy and deliver strategic outcomes with a focus on realising the benefits
• Ensure change impacts, communications, training, engagement and adoption activities are integrated into the programme plan, with clear measures of business readiness and sustained adoption
• Identify and manage programme risks and implement responses to them, managing delivery constraints and optimising the plans to maximise benefits and minimise risk
• Be accountable for managing the relevant processes and approvals to secure funding and resources to deliver the programme
• Accountable for programme financial performance, including business case assumptions, expenditure management, forecasting and benefits tracking
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, challenging decisions where appropriate to ensure a successful programme outcome
• Ensure the integration of programme outcomes into business‑as‑usual addresses the operational readiness of users, compatibility of work systems and the realisation of benefits
• Build and lead a high‑performing multidisciplinary programme team, setting clear accountabilities, creating an inclusive delivery culture and addressing performance or capability gaps
• Identify and apply AI, automation and data‑led capabilities to improve programme delivery efficiency, decision‑making and business outcomes
• Communicate programme progress and recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance forums including at Executive level
• Mentor and coach members of the programme and wider Change COE in project methodology to support their personal development

Benefits

• 8% non-contributory pension plus up to 5% matching
• Life Assurance & Death in Service
• Support, feedback and development programmes to help you reach your full potential
• Flexible culture and ways of working
• Focus on health & wellbeing
• 30 days holiday as standard (excluding bank holidays), with the ability to purchase an additional 5 days
• Time off when you need it includes carer’s leave, faith leave, grandparent leave and career breaks
• New parents receive up to 26 weeks of full pay while on leave
• 4-week back-to-work transition for new parents: work 80% of your contractual hours, be paid for 100%
• New parents can take family leave in flexible blocks within the first year of birth/adaoption

Confident in leading and facilitating complex and large-scale workshops with senior stakeholders, with extensive programme management experience

Able to drive change to business practices by working effectively across a global organization and understanding different perspectives

Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all levels of stakeholder

Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple resources, priorities, and deliverables to tight deadlines

Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and challenge constructively in support of strategic outcomes

Strong attention to detail with an ability to anticipate, prioritise and resolve complex issues using a variety of problem solving and analytical skills to ensure the business outcome and benefits are realised

Advanced programme budgetary control and financial management

Excellent judgment and decision‑making skills

Confident and effective communicator (both written and verbal) across all levels of the organisation, including executive and C-suite levels

Strong leadership skills with an ability to motivate, influence and constructively challenge where appropriate

Ability to articulate complex issues and offer solutions to ensure the business outcome and benefits are realised

Delivery across multiple functions and locations

Financial Services transformation experience

End-to-end leadership of complex transformation programmes

Experience in regulated and controlled environments

Benefits realisation and business adoption

Programme financial management

Executive and sponsor engagement

Business-case development and programme mobilisation

Degree or equivalent professional experience

PRINCE2, MSP, PMP or equivalent programme/project management qualification preferred

Finance or Financial Operations transformation

Big Four or equivalent consulting experience

AI-enabled transformation or intelligent automation

Process re‑engineering