Project and Programme Lead

Project & Programme LeadLocation: Manchester, Bristol or LondonType: Full-timeAbout the RoleWe’re looking for a strategic and inspiring leader to head up our clients Project and Programme Management function. This role is pivotal in driving successful change across the organisation, leading a team of Project and Programme Managers to deliver complex initiatives across multiple Tribes, Products, and Portfolios.You’ll champion agile ways of working, ensure seamless integration between delivery models (agile and waterfall), and foster a high-performing community of change professionals. Your focus will be on strategic planning, resource optimisation, risk management, and continuous improvement — all aligned to the Change Guild’s priorities and our transition to a product-based operating model.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership: Define and implement the delivery strategy for projects and programmes, aligned with the Change Guild and broader organisational goals.Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a team of Project and Programme Managers, ensuring effective delivery across multiple business areas.Resource Management: Optimise allocation of human and financial resources across initiatives, including engagement with approved partners to scale capabilities.Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships across senior leadership, Tribe Leads, Product Managers, and Portfolio Managers to ensure alignment and transparency.Capability Development: Oversee training, talent management, and succession planning in collaboration with L&D to build a resilient and skilled change delivery team.Performance & Reporting: Establish KPIs and provide accurate, timely reporting to senior stakeholders.Continuous Improvement: Identify and lead improvements in delivery processes, tools, and methodologies.Agile Advocacy: Drive adoption of agile practices across all change initiatives, integrating with existing waterfall approaches where needed.Capacity Planning: Maintain accurate forecasts of delivery capacity and capability to meet current and future demand.Skills & ExperienceProven success in delivering large-scale transformation programmes in regulated environments (e.g. financial services, insurance).Strategic thinker with experience translating business goals into actionable delivery plans.Deep expertise in agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, Lean) and their application in product-centric organisations.Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders and navigating complex environments.Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and optimise resource utilisation.Familiarity with project management tools such as Jira and Confluence is highly desirable.Competitive salary with up to 10% bonus, up to 12% matched pension, 28 days annual leave, life assurance, discounted insurance products and other great benefits.