Senior Technical Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Technical Programme Manager

Location: London – Hybrid (3 Days Per Week Onsite)

Contract Length: 6–9 Months

Rate: £650–£700 per day (Inside IR35)

Start Date: ASAP

Interview Process: 1 Stage

Send CV to: james.robinson@forsythbarnes.com

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Senior Technical Programme Manager to join a major retail technology environment, supporting strategic delivery across both technical infrastructure modernisation and POS/checkout transformation programmes.

This role merges two senior vacancies into one critical hire. You will operate across the enterprise technology landscape while also leading high-profile checkout initiatives delivered through third parties.

This is a senior-level, hands-on leadership role requiring strong stakeholder engagement, third-party management, and deep technical programme experience.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Technical Modernisation

• Lead programmes across the full technical landscape — from legacy estate through to modern platforms

• Drive initiatives involving:

• Patching systems and operating systems

• Replacing unsupported or end-of-life technology

• Store infrastructure upgrades

• Security and resilience improvements

• Manage and prioritise a backlog of infrastructure work

• Work closely with Product leadership (including a Senior Product Manager currently in role until April)

• Be proactive across D&T — identifying stakeholders, removing blockers, and driving progress

POS / Checkout & Payments Programmes

• Lead delivery of checkout and POS initiatives within a complex retail environment

• Manage key third-party relationships, including payment providers such as Worldline

• Oversee delivery through external vendors and internal development teams

• Lead critical programmes including AI-driven fraud detection and change platform proof of concepts

• Ensure systems operate securely and compliantly

Leadership & Governance

• Line management responsibility (minimum 5 years’ experience managing Programme Managers)

• Manage 3–4 direct reports (external resources)

• Budget forecasting and financial governance

• Strong stakeholder management at senior level

• Comfortable operating in fluid, evolving delivery environments

Essential Experience

• Senior Technical Programme Manager background

• Strong infrastructure delivery experience

• Familiarity with enterprise technical landscapes (legacy through to modern architecture)

• Experience replacing unsupported technology and driving OS/system upgrades

• Proven third-party and vendor management

• Retail experience highly desirable and admirable

• Strong governance, reporting, and budget management capability

• Proactive, hands-on approach with ability to work cross-functionally