Job Description

Job title: Senior Programme Manager

Location: Remote (UK)

Predominantly remote with travel to client locations where required.

Salary: up to £85,000 + benefits

Vargo is looking for an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, multi-million-pound service transformation programmes within the UK public sector.

You will provide end-to-end programme leadership,  from mobilisation and governance design through to delivery oversight and benefits realisation, ensuring alignment with GDS standards and best practice digital delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value digital and business transformation programmes across complex environments.
• Develop and implement programme governance frameworks aligned with public sector standards and best practice.
• Manage delivery through Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases in accordance with GDS principles.
• Define programme objectives, deliverables, timelines, dependencies, and benefits tracking measures.
• Drive delivery performance, ownership, and accountability across multiple programme workstreams.

• Establish effective governance, risk management, and reporting processes appropriate to programme scale.
• Deliver accurate and concise updates to SROs, Boards, and governance committees.
• Oversee programme risks, dependencies, and key delivery milestones across the critical path.
• Support teams in preparing for GDS assessments, assurance reviews, and gateway approvals.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with SROs, senior executives, and policy stakeholders.
• Provide strategic guidance, insight, and constructive challenge at senior leadership level.
• Ensure digital initiatives align with organisational priorities and operational preparedness.
• Navigate and deliver effectively within politically sensitive and complex environments.

• Manage programme finances, forecasting activities, and budget controls.
• Oversee supplier relationships, commercial contracts, and delivery performance.
• Drive cost-effectiveness and value throughout the programme lifecycle.

• Lead, coach, and support delivery managers and cross-functional teams.
• Encourage a culture of collaboration, openness, and continuous improvement.
• Help clients build long-term internal delivery and programme management capability.

Requirements

• Proven experience delivering large-scale, complex transformation programmes within the public sector.
• Strong understanding of the GDS Service Standard and the end-to-end digital delivery lifecycle, including Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases.
• Experience designing and implementing governance and programme delivery structures.
• Experience leading programmes through GDS service assessments and assurance processes.
• Background in consultancy or providing strategic client-side advisory services.
• Experience supporting transformation initiatives within local or central government.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and manage senior stakeholders at Board and Executive level.

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