Programme Manager

This role ensures that strategic programmes are delivered as cohesive wholes rather than disconnected projects. It provides structure, integration, and senior-level coordination, translating strategic intent into an executable roadmap.

JOB OVERVIEW:
The Programme Manager exists to lead the coordinated delivery of complex, multi-project initiatives that span Business Units, Shared Services, and territories. While individual projects may be well managed in isolation, Guardian requires strong programme-level leadership to manage interdependencies, sequencing, risk aggregation, and benefits realisation across related initiatives. The Programme Manager must demonstrate strong delivery discipline, sound judgement, and the confidence to manage complexity across multiple initiatives. They must be organised, objective, and comfortable navigating ambiguity while maintaining clarity for stakeholders. Professional maturity, integrity, and a collaborative mindset are essential to coordinate diverse teams, manage competing priorities, and drive outcomes aligned to enterprise value rather than local optimisation.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.    Programme Planning & Integration
•    Develop and maintain integrated programme plans, roadmaps, and dependency maps.
•    Translate strategic objectives into sequenced project plans aligned to delivery capacity and priorities.
•    Ensure programme scope, milestones, risks, and assumptions are clearly defined and managed.
•    Develop and maintain the integrated programme budget, consolidating project-level budgets, phasing, and funding requirements in alignment with approved business cases.

2.    Delivery Oversight & Governance
•    Oversee multiple related projects, ensuring alignment to programme objectives and timelines.
•    Provide direction and coordination to Project Managers assigned to the programme (hybrid reporting).
•    Identify cross-project risks, conflicts, and interdependencies, escalating issues proactively.
•    Monitor programme-level financial performance, including consolidated forecasts, inter-project cost impacts, and cumulative variance against approved funding.
•    Identify financial risks arising from scope changes, sequencing decisions, or dependency impacts, escalating early with recommended mitigation actions.
•    Ensure alignment between delivery plans, funding approvals, and procurement activity across all projects within the programme.

3.    Stakeholder & Executive Engagement
•    Act as the primary point of coordination for BU leaders and Shared Services stakeholders within the programme.
•    Prepare consolidated programme updates, dashboards, and decision papers for governance forums.
•    Support Steering Committees with clear insights on progress, risks, and required decisions.

4.    Benefits Realisation & Performance Tracking
•    Partner with Finance and Business Owners to track realised vs planned benefits, ensuring financial outcomes remain aligned to programme objectives.
•    Monitor progress against agreed KPIs, ensuring corrective actions are implemented where required.
•    Support post-implementation reviews and lessons learned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related discipline
•    Project or Programme Management certification (PMP, PgMP, Prince2)
•    6–8 years’ experience managing complex initiatives or programmes
•    Experience coordinating multiple project teams in matrix environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:
As a regulated entity with obligations under the Know Your Employee guidelines, a Certificate of Character is required.