Full-Time Learning Programme Manager

About the Role:

The Programme Manager is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of the creative learning studios (account teams) that create and execute innovative learning solutions for Fortune 500 companies. This role involves comprehensive strategic planning, resource allocation, operational oversight, process improvement and promoting client success through meticulous programme management. The Programme Manager supervises project managers to ensure effective management and execution of all projects. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and maintain a comprehensive strategic plan that forecasts financial resources and personnel allocation to meet business objectives of your allocated accounts. Analyze future needs, manage budgetary constraints, and prepare for scalability aligned with your project requirements and company growth strategies partnering with the PMO COE, Studio Leader and the Brigade Leader. Translate strategic business goals into tangible short term, actionable targets to ensure they are initiated, managed and completed to yield expected results. Utilize advanced project and programme management methodologies to ensure strategic objectives are met.
• Resource Management: Efficiently allocate resources with your creative studio to maximize team utilization and billability, liaising with the PMO COE proactively to gain additional resources to highlight utilisation gaps that can be used elsewhere. Manage project managers to ensure effective and efficient resourcing practices. Forecast and contribute actively to organizational resource and capacity management processes. Partner with functional leaders to identify competency gaps and create and action preventive and corrective action plans at a creative studio level or report these into the PMO COE to feed into group wide plans. 
• Client Experience: Oversee project managers to ensure they build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, delivering a world class client experience. Get deeply involved, particularly in the management of large and complex projects, ensuring proper setup/initiation, and aligning project outcomes with client expectations and satisfaction. Provide strategic support and coaching to project managers helping them to identify and mitigate risk, overcome obstacles and create efficiencies while maintaining the highest quality standards. Ensure CSAT insights and data is obtained, reviewed, and any outcomes are implemented each quarter partnering with the Studio to drive client experience.
• Operational and Financial Oversight: Maintain comprehensive P&L accountability including revenue, gross margin, operations, and cost management. Innovate solutions, processes and automation in partnership with functional centre of excellence to enhance operational efficiency and client benefit realization.
• Quality and Compliance: Uphold high standards of project delivery, aiming for zero defects, meeting and exceeding client expectations, and contractual obligations. Implement and monitor rigorous risk management and compliance measures across projects. Ensure adherence to defined processes and quality standards.
• Leadership and Team Development: Mentor, coach and develop a diverse global team of project managers, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to project managers, enhancing their skills and capabilities, allowing them necessary independence to gain more confidence and grow organically.
• Project Initiation and Governance: Ensure proper project initiation processes are followed. Act as an advisor to project teams to provide guidance, tips and tricks to start a new project with a clear focus on customer excellence. Oversee project governance frameworks to ensure projects are executed as planned, delivering expected client benefits and adhering to contractual obligations.
• Programme Reporting and Communication: Develop and implement a robust reporting framework to provide real-time insights into programme status, risks, and opportunities. Stich projects and teams from multiple line of services within a programme to present a unified view to clients and internal stakeholders. Ensure clear and effective communication across all levels of the organization and with clients, enhancing transparency and stakeholder engagement.
• Change Management: Lead change management efforts across projects, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption. Foster an environment that is agile and responsive to client and market needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience, with at least 6 years in a leadership role managing complex projects and programmes within the learning industry.
• Proven experience in P&L management, strategic account planning, and operational excellence.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Project Management, PMP or PgMP Certification is highly desirable, but experience will be considered.

Desired Competencies:

• Innovative and strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a virtual environment, managing teams across different time zones.
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities consistently.