Senior Programme Manager
Immediate Start

Are you a programme manager with experience of portfolio management and knowledge of PPM tools, including a track record of successful delivery of new software solutions? If so, join NFER as a Senior Programme Manager and make a positive, lasting impact in a leading independent charity with a worldwide reputation.

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000
Location: Slough, hybrid
Job Type: Full-time, initially 6-month contract

NFER has an in-flight programme underway to design & develop a solution for Business Intelligence, Portfolio & Programme Management (BIPPM), and roll out adoption across the organization. The BIPPM programme has three streams of work:
• Financial and Project Accounting
• Portfolio & Project Management Solution development and onboarding
• Data Governance and Technical Integration

We are looking for an experienced programme manager to join the programme team, who is confident in leading work across all workstreams, successfully delivering the programme’s objectives.

The role is offered initially as a fixed term contract until June 2023, with the potential to convert to a permanent position within NFER.

The successful applicant will provide:
• Day-to-day management of the programme
• Ensure successful delivery and adoption of the new Portfolio & Programme Management capabilities
• Refine the programme plan, proactively monitoring overall progress, anticipating and resolving issues, initiating corrective action as appropriate, including proactive escalation to programme sponsors
• Identify and manage key dependencies across workstreams, and with initiatives outside of the programme
• Manage the programme’s budget and resource plan, monitoring the expenditure and costs against benefits/KPI’s as the programme progresses
• Ensure that the delivery of outputs or services meets programme requirements and is to the appropriate quality and timescales
• Monitor and manage individual performance within the programme team
• Maximize the efficient allocation of resources and skills within the projects / workstreams
• Ensure internal and external suppliers to the programme are well managed
• Manage communications with stakeholders
• Report progress of the programme the Sponsor, and other stakeholders

REQUIREMENTS
• Programme Manager Experience: Extensive experience of working as a programme manager, including a track record of successful delivery of new software solutions, with supporting certifications/credentials
• Portfolio Management: Excellent domain knowledge of the principles and practices of good portfolio management
• Programme & project management tools: Domain knowledge of PPM tools, e.g. Planview
• Technical skills: able to understand and work with technical teams, with particular focus on application integration and Master Data Management
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to work positively with individuals and groups at all levels within the organisation
• Leadership skills: Good judgement and experience in making timely decisions role
• Communication skills: Able to communicate clearly to maintain credibility within the programme environment and ability to influence others
• Methodologies: Good knowledge of a variety of project management approaches- including waterfall and agile practices
• Project accounting: Good knowledge and experience of budgeting and resource allocation procedures
• Creative/problem solving skills: Ability to find innovative ways of solving or pre-empting problems.

If you meet 70% or more of what we’re looking for, please still apply. We understand not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn’t know we need.

WHY NFER?
We put impact before profit to improve outcomes for future generations everywhere, supporting positive change across education systems worldwide.
We are an independent charity and a trusted destination for education, research evidence and insights.
We embrace agility and flexibility to enable you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.
- Competitive salary
- Generous pension scheme
- 42 days’ holiday per year including Bank Holidays + additional discretionary days
- Excellent support for continued professional development
- Flexible working with hybrid working options to suit your needs meaning you get a great work/life balance
- Lots of well-being and social activities
- And the opportunity to help children around the world have a better life.

Other roles you may have experience of include: Business Intelligence, Portfolio & Programme Management Programme, Transformation Programme Manager, Change Programme Manager.

We are reviewing applications regularly as part of an ongoing recruitment process and will begin shortlisting on 4 January.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

If you’re looking for a place where you can put your heart, soul and skills into making a difference then you could be our next Senior Programme Manager and we want to hear from you. Apply via the button shown.