Programme Manager - M&A, Retail

Experis (Austria); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis (Austria) in London is seeking a Programme Manager - M&A, Retail to lead cross-border transformation initiatives from Paddington with hybrid working. The 5-month contract offers £650-£725 per day (umbrella).

The role focuses on delivering change across international channels and markets, coordinating multiple workstreams, and reporting progress to senior stakeholders. Strong experience in complex change and M&A is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex transformation programmes.
• Excellent ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation.
• M&A experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage successful delivery of International transformation programmes aligned to International's strategic objectives.
• Coordinate activity across workstreams and manage dependencies to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare communications and updates for senior stakeholders to maintain alignment and decisions.

Skills

Complex transformation

Stakeholder communication

M&A experience

Job description

Programme Manager - M&A, Retail
Programme Manager - M&A, Retail

The location of the role is Paddington, London (hybrid working).
The duration of the contract is 5 months.
The pay rate on offer is £650 - £725 per day (via Umbrella agency).

Role Summary

We have an exciting Programme Manager opportunity, working to deliver transformation across the International FH&B business, aligned to UK FH&B strategic priorities. The successful candidate will be responsible for owning and delivering change across multiple selling channels and markets.

Scope of the role We are looking for an individual with strong experience in leading complex change, who is able to manage ambiguity, communicate at all levels and keep focus on the end goal. The successful candidate will be joining a team of Programme Managers who act as a hub of best practice on project and programme management across the International business.

Key accountabilities & responsibilities

• Lead and manage successful delivery of our key International transformation programmes aligned to International's strategic objectives
• Work closely with the Director of Finance and Partnerships to deliver the required business outcomes and timelines
• Co-ordinate and lead activity across multiple workstreams, ensuring dependencies are managed and activity is appropriately sequenced
• Co-ordinate activity across key teams external to International including Finance, Legal, HR, Technology, Corporate Comms and Property
• Preparation of key comms and updates to multiple internal and external senior stakeholders to ensure alignment on understanding of progress and decisions required
• Oversee initiatives at all points of the programme lifecycle, from creating scope, objectives and investment cases, through to delivery, embedding into BAU and outcome delivery
• Lead cross-functional teams to understand the business requirements, problem solve and co-ordinate stakeholders, bringing content expertise where possible
• Identify and manage programme risks and issues, ensuring mitigation plans are in place.
• Establish and manage governance frameworks, including reporting cadence, escalation paths, and decision‑making protocols.
• Develop and own the critical path plan for delivery, identifying and managing interdependencies between workstreams and other business activity
• Track programme performance against KPIs and adjust plans as needed to ensure successful delivery.
• Work with the Communications Lead to develop and execute a communications plan for internal and external stakeholders, including programme updates, risks and milestones.
• Facilitate regular steering meetings, programme boards, and stakeholder briefings, internally and with external parties

Key skills and experience

• Experience leading complex transformation programmes in either consulting or a consumer facing industry
• Experienced in communicating at all levels of the organisation
• M&A experience preferred