Programme Manager (Ref: 197821)

Programme Manager (Ref: 197821)

Locations - Manchester or London

Working Pattern - Hybrid

Contact - callum.bell@forsythbarnes.com

Job Outline

Operating within the energy, utilities and waste sector, our client supports the delivery of essential services in an environment shaped by regulation, operational complexity and long-term infrastructure priorities.

The organisation requires disciplined change leadership to improve performance, manage risk and deliver programmes that support resilient, efficient and sustainable services across Manchester and wider stakeholder networks.

This Programme Manager will direct a portfolio of complex change, translating strategic priorities into coordinated delivery across business functions, technology teams, suppliers and operational partners. Success will be measured through clear governance, controlled investment, effective risk management and the achievement of measurable business and service outcomes.

Working with senior leaders, you will define delivery approaches, align interdependent workstreams and maintain momentum from initiation through implementation and benefits realisation. The position calls for confident judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to bring clarity to decisions in a regulated sector where delivery quality, resilience and accountability are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the direction, delivery model and success measures for a complex programme portfolio.
• Translate strategic objectives into integrated plans covering scope, milestones, resources, dependencies and benefits.
• Chair governance forums and provide concise, evidence-based reporting to senior decision-makers.
• Control programme finances, including budgets, forecasts, investment decisions and corrective action.
• Maintain active oversight of risks, issues, assumptions, dependencies and change impacts.
• Coordinate delivery across operational, corporate, digital, technology and supplier workstreams.
• Build productive relationships with executives, regulators, partners, contractors and internal delivery teams.
• Hold suppliers and delivery partners to agreed obligations, standards, milestones and outcomes.
• Track benefits throughout the programme lifecycle and intervene where expected value is at risk.
• Embed proportionate controls that support safety, compliance, resilience and service continuity.
• Resolve cross-programme conflicts and escalate decisions with clear recommendations and options.
• Strengthen delivery capability through consistent methods, lessons learned, coaching and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Substantial experience leading complex, multi-workstream programmes within a large or highly structured organisation.
• A strong record of converting strategic goals into delivered operational, commercial, technology or infrastructure outcomes.
• Demonstrable command of programme governance, integrated planning, assurance, reporting and executive decision support.
• Practical experience managing budgets, forecasts, resources, benefits, procurement activity and supplier performance.
• Advanced capability in identifying and resolving risks, issues, dependencies and delivery constraints.
• Confidence communicating with senior executives and influencing stakeholders across competing priorities.
• Experience leading matrixed teams and coordinating contributors who do not report directly to the role.
• A structured, analytical approach with the judgement to balance pace, control, quality and organisational risk.
• Understanding of regulated, asset-intensive or essential-service environments, such as energy, utilities, waste, infrastructure or public services.
• Awareness of regulatory obligations, operational resilience, service continuity and the wider consequences of programme decisions.
• Experience managing external partners, commercial relationships and complex delivery ecosystems.
• A recognised programme or project management qualification, such as MSP, PRINCE2, Agile, APM or an equivalent professional credential, would be advantageous.