Programme Manager

Job Purpose: Programme Manager

The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 provides for new Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) as a mechanism for regional collaboration and a new form of regional economic governance. This system of regional planning and investment provides for a more consistent and democratically legitimate framework, into which, CCR is currently integrating a range of extant regional growth programmes such as its City Deal.

In the CJC Corporate Entity maintaining high-order development and delivery capability focussed on good and inclusive regional growth remains a critical priority. Business Growth in the region, working with Innovation will play a critical role.

The Programme Management Business Partner will play a key role in turning strategy into successful programmes, working collaboratively to create lasting benefits for businesses, communities, and the wider economy.

Leading the planning, development, mobilisation and delivery of high-value programmes, the Programme Management Business Partner will provide strategic direction while maintaining a strong focus on delivery and benefits realisation. Working closely with the Head of Infrastructure, colleagues across CCR, and a wide range of regional and national partners, the postholder will ensure programmes are well managed, effectively governed and positioned to achieve maximum impact.

The postholder will be an experienced programme leader with a proven ability to manage complex programmes and portfolios from concept to completion, proactively managing budgets, contractual considerations, risks, dependencies and change, while identifying opportunities to enhance outcomes. A key part of the role will be developing people and leading teams with a commitment to continued professional development and sharing best practice.

Operating within a politically sensitive and multi-stakeholder environment, the role requires an individual who can bring people together, building trusted relationships and fostering collaboration across organisations and sectors. Using strong influencing, communication and stakeholder management skills, the postholder will connect people priorities and partnerships, creating momentum, securing commitment and driving collective action towards successful regional outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities Programme Manager

The post holder will be accountable for:

Strategic Programme Leadership Programme Manager

• Lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of complex programmes and projects ensuring benefits are realised and activities contribute to agreed policy, economic and regional outcomes.
• Develop and maintain programme roadmaps and delivery plans to support successful implementation.
• Apply strategic thinking, sound judgement and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges, remove barriers and maximise programme outcomes.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to emerging priorities, risks, evolving policy landscapes and stakeholder requirements, ensuring programmes remain effective and outcome focused.

Stakeholder engagement and partnership working Programme Manager

• Build and maintain strong relationships with CCR colleagues, government departments, local authorities, delivery partners, private sector organisations and funding bodies.
• Facilitate collaboration across multiple stakeholders to achieve programme objectives
• Influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders to secure commitment.
• Navigate a politically sensitive and multi-stakeholder environment, bringing clarity, coherence and confidence to programme planning, decision making and delivery

Programme Delivery and Management Programme Manager

• Lead the full programme lifecycle for complex strategic programmes ensuring compliance with funding agreements, grant conditions and organisational governance requirements
• Use strategic foresight taking a proactive approach to planning and delivery, identifying future risks, dependencies and opportunities, implementing appropriate mitigation or improvement actions.
• Develop and maintain programme plans managing scope, timelines, budgets, resources, dependencies, risks and issues, to ensure successful delivery of programme objectives.
• Oversee budget management, financial forecasting and expenditure monitoring, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams, partners and stakeholders to ensure activities are aligned and delivered effectively.

Education & Training Programme Manager

Degree or equivalent qualifications / experience in programme management.

Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD)

Professional certifications in Project/Programme Management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, MSP, APM,).

Post Graduate Qualification (e.g. chartered membership) in relevant field or equivalent industry experience.

Application Form & Certification where required

Experience / Knowledge Programme Manager

Proven experience of leading complex programmes, projects or portfolios.

Expert knowledge gained through practical experience of programme/project management principles and methodologies.

Experience of managing budgets, contracts, funding agreements and delivery partners.

Experience of influencing and working collaboratively with senior leaders, partners, and external organisations.

Experience of developing business cases, funding proposals, investment propositions or strategic plans.

Track record of developing people and teams.