IT & Shared Services Programme Manager

The Programme Manager (Service Systems) will lead and coordinate the delivery of service systems transition activities within a designated portfolio as part of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme. The role is responsible for ensuring systems are assessed, prioritised, planned and transitioned in a controlled manner to support safe, legal and operational service delivery from Vesting Day. The postholder will work across services, IT & Data teams, suppliers and partner organisations to manage risks, dependencies, resources, budgets and delivery plans, ensuring programme objectives are achieved within agreed timescales and governance arrangements. Operating within a complex matrix environment, the postholder will provide leadership and coordination to multidisciplinary teams without direct line management responsibility. They will influence stakeholders, drive collaboration, resolve issues and maintain momentum across multiple interdependent workstreams, providing clear reporting, assurance and recommendations to programme leadership and governance forums. The role is accountable for delivering system transition plans, readiness assessments, governance products, financial oversight and progress reporting, ensuring that service systems are successfully transitioned and ready to support the new authorities from Day One.

Essential

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience in programme, project or change management.

• Significant experience of delivering complex projects, programmes or transformation initiatives within a large organisation.

• Experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders in a matrix management environment.

• Experience of managing plans, risks, issues, dependencies, budgets and governance processes.

• Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, suppliers and subject matter experts to achieve successful outcomes.

• Experience of financial management, including cost forecasting, budget monitoring and business case development.

• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.

Desirable

• Professional project or programme management qualification (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, APM PMQ or equivalent).

• Experience of local government, organisational change, service transition or technology enabled transformation programmes