Senior Programme Manager (Open Programmes)

ACS Staffing Solutions; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS Staffing Solutions in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of programmes, drive operational improvements and support a team through change. The role combines programme delivery with stakeholder management and business transformation across on-site, hybrid and online formats.

You will oversee planning, delivery, budgeting and reporting, coach Programme Managers, and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and clients while championing new ways of

Qualifications

• Proven experience in programme management, project management, operations or business transformation.
• Experience delivering change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to lead multiple complex projects and manage competing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder management and senior-level influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and embed operational change initiatives across the organisation.
• Drive continuous improvement, process optimisation, automation and AI/tech use.
• Manage complex programmes from planning to delivery within deadlines and budgets.
• Oversee resource planning and allocation across programmes.
• Develop and improve project management processes, systems and reporting.
• Manage budgets, programme costs, suppliers and financial reporting.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders, clients and internal teams.
• Coach and develop Programme Managers through organisational change.
• Monitor performance, identify risks and resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure excellent client and participant experience across on-site and online programmes.

Skills

Programme management

Project management

Operations

Stakeholder management

Leadership coaching

Data reporting

Process optimisation

AI & tech leadership

Job description

Senior Programme Manager

Location: Cambridge / Hybrid
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Are you an experienced Programme Manager with a strong background in project delivery, operational improvement and change management?

We are working with a leading organisation within the education and professional development sector to recruit a Senior Programme Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in managing a portfolio of programmes while driving operational improvements, embedding new ways of working and supporting a team through a period of change.

This is a varied and influential position, combining programme delivery, people leadership, stakeholder management and business transformation.

The Role

Working as part of the senior programme management team, you will take responsibility for the successful planning, coordination and delivery of a portfolio of programmes, while leading on wider change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and embedding operational change initiatives across the organisation.
• Driving continuous improvement, process optimisation, automation and the effective use of AI and technology.
• Managing complex programmes from initial planning through to successful delivery, ensuring deadlines, budgets and quality standards are achieved.
• Overseeing resource planning and allocation across multiple programmes.
• Developing and improving project management processes, systems and reporting.
• Managing budgets, programme costs, suppliers and financial reporting.
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, external partners and internal teams.
• Leading, coaching and developing Programme Managers, supporting the team through organisational change.
• Monitoring performance, identifying risks and resolving operational challenges.
• Ensuring an exceptional experience for clients and participants across on-site, online and live-online programmes.

About You

We are looking for an organised, confident and commercially aware programme management professional who enjoys improving how things work and bringing people along with them.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in programme management, project management, operations or business transformation.
• A strong track record of delivering change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects and competing priorities.
• The ability to lead, coach and motivate teams through change.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to influence at senior level.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using management information, data and reporting to drive decisions.
• Good understanding of systems, process optimisation and modern workplace technology.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge existing processes and introduce better ways of working.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.

Experience within education, executive development, events or a client-focused service environment would be advantageous, although experience from other complex, fast-paced sectors will also be considered.

What's on offer?

• Competitive salary DOE
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Cambridge office.
• 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours.
• Generous pension and additional financial benefits.
• Individual training budget, executive coaching and development opportunities.
• A positive, supportive and collaborative working culture.
• Opportunity to influence organisational change and operational strategy.
• A senior role with responsibility for programme delivery and team development.
• Regular social and team events
• Subsidised on-site catering facilities.

Some flexibility will be required to support programme delivery, including occasional evenings and weekends.

If you are an experienced Programme Manager looking for a senior role where you can combine strategic change, operational leadership and high-quality programme delivery, we'd love to hear from you.