Programme Manager

Job title:

Programme Manager

Company

British Council

Job description

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people.Programme ManagerPay Band: 9 SMPSSalary: Starting £55,699 – £68,649 (+ £3,300 market allowance if based in London)Contract Type: 2-year fixed term contractLocation: UK; London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast.Role Type: Advisory, Policy and ExpertiseReports to: FTX Programme DirectorRequirements: Candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) right to work in location.
Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme
• An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you’ve built up working in and / or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world

Closing date: Sunday 30 June, 11:59pm UK timeRole PurposeThe Programme Manager for the Finance Transformation Programme reports directly to the Programme Director and is responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the programme.This role will play a pivotal role in driving the successful delivery of transformational initiatives within the finance function, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timelines, and budgets.ContextFTX is a comprehensive initiative designed to revolutionise and modernise the financial management processes and capabilities of the British Council. With a focus on optimising financial operations, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring long-term sustainability, the programme encompasses a range of strategic objectives.Key components of the programme include the adoption of financial technologies and systems to streamline processes and improve data accuracy. Additionally, it aims to restructure Finance teams across all regions. FTX places a strong emphasis on aligning financial practices with the British Council’s mission and values.FTX is expected to yield significant benefits, including cost savings, improved financial reporting, and more efficient resource allocation. Furthermore, it will enable the British Council to allocate resources towards its core activities, such as promoting cultural exchange and education, and supporting international relations.FTX represents a crucial step in ensuring the British Council’s financial resilience and capacity to continue its valuable global work.Main accountabilitiesProgramme Planning and Execution:

• Develop and maintain detailed programme plans, identifying critical paths, resource requirements, and dependencies.
• Lead the execution of the programme, managing project managers, teams, and external vendors to ensure successful delivery of projects within scope, time, and budget constraints.

Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate closely with the Programme Director to communicate programme progress, risks, and issues effectively to stakeholders, providing regular updates and addressing concerns proactively.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, finance teams, and operational and strategic business units, to ensure alignment and engagement throughout the programme.

Resource Management:

• Work with the Programme Director to allocate resources effectively across projects, ensuring the right skills and expertise are available to deliver on programme objectives.
• Monitor resource utilisation and capacity, adjusting as needed to optimise performance and productivity.

Risk Management and Issue Resolution:

• Identify programme risks and issues, working with the Programme Director and stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Provide leadership and support to project teams in addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles to project delivery.

Quality Assurance and Governance:

• Support the Programme Director in establishing programme governance structures, processes, and standards to ensure adherence to best practices and quality standards.
• Contribute to regular reviews and audits to assess programme performance and compliance with relevant policies and regulations.

Role specific skills

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the British Council.
• Excellent strategic planning and execution capabilities, with a focus on delivering results and driving continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Ability to develop and maintain detailed programme plans, identifying critical paths, resource requirements, and dependencies.
• Experience in risk management and issue resolution, with the ability to develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Quality assurance and governance capabilities, with the ability to support the establishment of structures, processes, and standards.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including effective communication and engagement with senior leadership, finance teams, IT, and operational and strategic business units.

Role specific knowledge and experienceMinimum/essential

• Proven experience in programme management, leading large-scale transformation initiatives within the finance function.
• Sound understanding of finance processes, systems, and best practices, with experience in process optimisation and standardisation

Desirable

• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and working with external vendors.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation in finance transformation projects.

EducationBachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, or a related fieldProfessional Qualifications and CertificationRelevant professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, PMP.
MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.Closing date: Sunday 30 June, 11:59pm UK timeA connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) StatementThe British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.If you have any problems with your application please emailPlease note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ‘ASK HR’ email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.

Expected salary

£55699 – 68649 per year

Location

Manchester – London

Job date

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 22:09:39 GMT

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