Senior Global IT & Security Programme Lead

DS Smith Europe; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead global IT and security delivery across multiple workstreams. You will own governance, manage budgets and risks, and mentor delivery teams to drive outcomes aligned with strategic business objectives.

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement at executive levels and demonstrated leadership across geographies, with expertise in IAM tooling (CyberArk) and complex programme delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering large-scale IT, infrastructure or security programmes with multiple stakeholders and workstreams.
• Strong experience in project governance, budgeting, risk management and programme reporting.
• Experience in IAM tooling and implementation, specifically CyberArk.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional, multi-cultural teams across geographies.
• Experience working within complex organisational structures and driving change at scale.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at executive level.
• Strong leadership capability, with a passion for developing people and building high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and deliver results in fast-paced environments.
• Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Professional certifications such as PRINCE2, MSP, APM or equivalent.
• Experience with Agile, SAFe or Lean delivery methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, global IT and security projects across multiple workstreams.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring alignment to strategic programmes and business objectives.
• Manage interdependencies, timelines and deliverables across internal teams and third-party partners.
• Own project governance, ensuring delivery in line with DS Smith methodologies and standards.
• Proactively identify, assess and mitigate risks, issues and dependencies.
• Track and report project performance through established governance forums and programme boards.
• Manage project budgets and resource allocation, ensuring effective use of investment.
• Oversee internal, external and vendor resources to ensure delivery outcomes are achieved.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across business and technology functions.
• Provide clear, confident communication on project progress, risks and outcomes to executive audiences.
• Act as a trusted advisor, influencing decision-making and driving alignment across complex stakeholder groups.
• Lead, coach and mentor project managers and delivery teams, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Contribute to the development of delivery capability, best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage third-party vendors and partners, ensuring compliance with procurement and governance processes.
• Support security, audit and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory and organisational standards.

Skills

Governance

Budgeting

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Cross-cultural teams

Agile/SAFe/Lean

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Degree in CS/IT or related

PRINCE2/MSP/APM or equivalent

Education

Degree in Computer Science, IT, or related discipline

PRINCE2/ MSP/ APM or equivalent

Tools

CyberArk

Job description

DS Smith is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead global IT and security delivery across multiple workstreams. You will own governance, manage budgets and risks, and mentor delivery teams to drive outcomes aligned with strategic business objectives.

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement at executive levels and demonstrated leadership across geographies, with expertise in IAM tooling (CyberArk) and complex programme delivery.