Senior Program Manager (Public Sector)

Kainos; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead complex programme deliveries in the Public Sector. You will ensure alignment to strategic goals while managing risks effectively and fostering innovation within delivery teams. Ideal candidates have a strong background in programme management with at least 7 years of experience.

We value diversity and seek talented individuals from all backgrounds. Join us in creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in programme management within the Public Sector.
• Proven experience planning and managing complex programmes across multiple teams.
• Strong experience in managing, motivating, and empowering programme teams.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of complex programme delivery ensuring alignment to strategic goals.
• Establish and maintain effective governance structures for risk management.
• Identify and develop new opportunities for account growth.

Skills

Programme management

Agile methodologies

Client-facing experience

Team leadership

Commercial awareness

Interpersonal skills

Decision-making under pressure

Job description

Mandatory Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in programme management within the Public Sector, preferably central government.
• Proven experience planning, coordinating and managing complex programmes across multiple teams and suppliers, circa 50+ staff.
• Experience in leading bespoke software delivery.
• Experience in using agile methodologies.
• Proven track record of delivering complex £10m+ per annum programmes on time and within budget, fast‑moving, complex delivery environments and fixed delivery timescales. Managing multi-disciplinary teams, and achieving measurable outcomes for end users.
• Proven experience in a client‑facing environment, building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders at Director and/or CxO‑level.
• Strong experience in managing and leading programme teams including line management responsibility. Proven ability to manage, motivate and empower teams and lead by example.
• Strong experience supporting business development and account growth, including contributing to strategic planning, identifying new opportunities, and helping shape and write compelling bid and tender responses. Confident working closely with account teams to align proposals with client needs and priorities.
• Experience leading or contributing to bid responses for Public Sector procurements, with a solid understanding of effective bid writing.
• Strong commercial awareness and sound understanding of project dynamics, particularly in a multi‑supplier environment.
• Experience of establishing and adhering to robust project governance and technical quality standards.
• Broad technology experience, awareness of current technology trends and a solid understanding of contemporary software engineering practices and behaviours.
• Strong ability to make reasoned decisions under pressure taking a balanced view of client demands, Kainos commercial interests and the impact on the team.
• Personal attributes: personable, credible and can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, including formal presentations. Excellent interpersonal skills and strong negotiating prowess. Mature, firm but non‑confrontational style. A positive attitude to overcoming the challenges facing our clients.
• Highly flexible (including a willingness to work away from home base).

You Will Be Responsible For

• Delivery leadership – you will take ownership of complex programme delivery, ensuring workstreams are aligned to strategic goals and deliver measurable value. Your focus will go beyond time, budget and scope to include long-term impact, client satisfaction and continuous improvement.
• Assurance and governance – you will establish and maintain effective governance structures, ensuring clear accountability and robust risk management. You will actively manage risks and issues, escalating where needed to protect delivery and maintain client confidence.
• Commercial management – you will be responsible for meeting or exceeding profitability targets, while ensuring accurate, timely forecasting and reporting of key project metrics such as cost, revenue and margin.
• Account growth – you will proactively identify and develop new opportunities to expand our footprint within the Public accounts you support. This includes playing a key role in account teams, shaping strategic conversations with clients, contributing to account planning, and supporting the development of compelling bids and pitches.
• Innovation – you will be responsible for leading and implementing process efficiencies to the benefit of our customers, encouraging innovation in technology and processes. You will foster a culture of innovation within delivery teams, encouraging the use of new technologies, tools and ways of working to drive continuous improvement and better outcomes.
• People management – you will lead, motivate and empower individuals within the Delivery capability, creating a positive, high‑performing culture where people can grow.

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.