Programme Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager to join Virtual College. The Programme Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of the whole of the proposed change programme, co-ordination of the programme’s objectives and management of their inter-dependencies.

The Programme Manager is responsible, on behalf of the organisation for delivering a programme of works. The role requires effective co-ordination of the programme’s projects and management of their inter-dependencies including oversight of any risks and issues arising. It also includes the co-ordination and deployment of the new capability of the business to enable effective change and realisation of projected benefits. In most cases, the programme manager will work full-time on the programme. The role is crucial for creating and maintaining focus, enthusiasm, and momentum. The Programme Manager is responsible for the overall integrity and coherence of the programme. They will develop and maintain the programme environment to support each individual project within it – often through an effective PMO. 

Who Are We:

At Virtual College, we create inspiring learning so that people, organisations, and communities succeed and flourish. We do this by putting the learner first and sparking their enthusiasm for learning. We believe the most effective way to deliver great results is to make learning meaningful and engaging, using our experience of delivering training to more than 4.7 million learners and a wide range of organisations.

Virtual College is for those who think people first. We want people who are naturally collaborative, who thrive when faced with a challenge and who actively seek variety and responsibility. We are looking for individuals with a growth mindset, who are interested in trying new things and see the merit in redefining how things are done to make improvements. We pride ourselves on our people orientated culture, and it is these people that make Virtual College a great place to work.

Key Duties:

Working as part of a team and the wider Virtual College team - contributing ideas to support the organisation to meet Virtual College’s Strategic Objectives.

The Programme Manager is responsible for (but not limited to):

• Planning and designing the programme and proactively monitoring its progress, resolving issues and initiating appropriate corrective action
• Defining the programmes governance arrangementsEnsuring effective quality assurance and the overall integrity of the programme – focusing inwardly on the internal consistency of the programme and outwardly on its coherence with the customer, infrastructure planning, interfaces with other programmes and corporate, technical and specialist standards
• Managing the programmes development budget, monitoring expenditure and costs against agreed budgets as well as delivered and released benefits as the programme progresses
• Facilitating the appointment of individuals to project teams
• Ensuring the delivery of new products or services from projects is to the appropriate level of qualify, on time and within budget, in accordance with the programme plan and programme governance arrangements
• Ensuring there is allocation of common resources and skills within the programme’s individual projects
• Managing third party contributions to the programme
• Managing communications with all stakeholders (internal and external)
• Managing both the dependencies and the interfaces between projects
• Managing risks to the programme’s successful outcome
• Working with the customer on the deployment and transition to the new solution
• Initiating extra activities and other management interventions wherever gaps in the programme are identified or issues arise
• Reporting the progress of the programme at regular intervals to the key internal and external stakeholders

Key Skills/Experience:

The Programme Manager must have the necessary seniority to be able to take on the responsibilities associated with the role. The balance of skills required of a Programme Manager often changes as the programme develops. The person with the skills to identify or define the programme may not necessarily be the right person to drive through its implementation. The Programme Manager should have:

• Effective leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to command respect and to create a sense of community amongst the members of the project teams
• Good knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring, and controlling programmes
• Sound business case development and approvals skills/li>
• Good understanding of the procurement process including negotiation with third parties
• Good knowledge of programme and project management methods
• Good knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures
• Sufficient seniority and credibility to advise project teams on their projects in relation to the programme
• The ability to find ways of solving or pre-empting problems

Attitudes and Behaviours

To support and adhere to Virtual College’s Values and Behaviours (essential).

Package Includes:

• Hours of work covering 37.5 hours (Monday to Friday) including flexible working.
• 25 days holiday rising by 1 day each year up to 3 years plus bank holidays.
• Extensive induction programme and ongoing training and development.
• Regular charity and social events organised by our voluntary Sports and Social team for everyone.
• Contributory Pension Scheme, Simply Health Cash Plan, Life Assurance and MCard Corporate Discount Card for West Yorkshire travel.

Interested in the role of Programme Manager? Then please apply by submitting your CV and covering letter detailing why you think you are suitable for the role and your current salary to careers@virtual-college.co.uk. We are an Equality & Diversity employer.