Programme Manager

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Programme Manager to join our proactive Business Change Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, 12-month fixed term contract.

As the Programme Manager, you will lead on successful delivery and monitoring of core strategic programmes within a Portfolio of change. You will focus on programme objectives, programme level risk and issue management and benefits to be owned, measured and tracked.

You will engage with cross-functional senior stakeholders to drive good governance across the programmes and ensure information is clear and transparent, support change management, maximise opportunities, escalate issues and address any resourcing impacts.

The role will assure the quality and accuracy of reporting across programmes and projects, capture and disseminate lessons learned and emerging best practice to drive present and future programme development.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change and innovation, ensuring our programme aligns with strategic priorities and deliver real benefits for our communities.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: 

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays 

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme 

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline 

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts 

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) 

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes 

⭐ And much more! 

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for supporting the daily delivery of Programmes across Council Directorates.
• Accountable for the tracking of Programme level related risks across the Council with appropriate escalation and facilitation of risk and assurance sessions with senior leaders to understand potential issues, seek mitigations and provide successful delivery of services.
• Accountable for maintaining PMO Framework and processes and internal Project and Programme Management expertise that will ensure WBC has a sustainable, long-term approach to Programme and Project Management.
• Leading, motivating, and developing staff involved with Projects and Programmes in line with delivery requirements, to achieve consistently high employee engagement and performance, including line management responsibilities if required.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and have strong stakeholder management skills e.g. with Members, Partners, other stakeholders.
• To undertake any other duties commensurate with the general levels of responsibility of the post.

Candidate requirements:

• Relevant Programme and Project Management qualification or skills and experience (MSP or similar).
• Educated to degree level (or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and aptitude).
• Good communication skills with the ability to express views clearly orally and in writing, to prepare reports and briefing notes for presentation to Project Groups, at Programme level, to Senior Managers or elected members.
• Proven ability in managing projects, programmes, other managers and staff to achieve agreed outputs, within budget, including benefit realisation.
• Experience of application of a recognised Project and/or Programme Management methodology.

Our Area: 

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

For more information or to arrange a confidential call, please email Lewis.Borges@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: 20th April 2025, 11pm

Interview date: TBC 

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful.  Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. 

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. 

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. 

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.