Programme Manager / Delivery Lead

Overview

As Programme Manager / Delivery Lead, you will spearhead strategic technology programmes for Howden Specialty Technology, combining governance, delivery leadership, and financial stewardship. You will partner with CTO, Head of Delivery & Change, and cross-functional teams to ensure controlled, predictable delivery aligned with business outcomes. The role drives delivery excellence, risk management, and compliance within a fast-growing, tech-enabled insurance environment. You will shape the Delivery Centre of Excellence and advance product- and value-stream delivery across Specialty Technology.

Pay / Benefits

• career defined by you
• people-first culture
• volunteering in the community
• sustainability goals
• flexible hours*
• hybrid working*

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of strategic technology programmes and projects across Specialty Technology
• Provide oversight and assurance across all delivery activities, driving predictability and stakeholder satisfaction
• Establish governance structures, forums and reporting for programme success
• Manage budgets, forecast expenditure and ensure financial control
• Oversee resource capacity planning and allocation across delivery teams
• Ensure SDLC compliance and governance across delivery lifecycle
• Coordinate with Architecture Review Board, Change Advisory Board and funding submissions
• Partner with Change teams to drive adoption and value realisation of delivered solutions
• Produce governance materials, executive reporting and delivery insights to senior stakeholders
• Lead and develop Project Managers, Scrum Masters and delivery professionals
• Support succession planning and capability development within the delivery function
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational transformation initiatives
• Champion continuous improvement and delivery excellence across the organisation

Key requirements

• Significant experience leading complex technology programmes and portfolios
• Proven people leadership experience managing delivery teams
• Strong programme, project and agile delivery management expertise
• Experience in regulated and governance-driven environments
• Demonstrable financial management and budget control experience
• Excellent stakeholder management including C-suite engagement
• Strong understanding of SDLC, governance frameworks and delivery controls
• Experience preparing business cases and executive governance materials
• Strong communication, facilitation and influencing skills
• AI Basic to Strong skills
• Desirable: Insurance/Financial Services/Professional Services experience
• Desirable: Certifications such as SAFe, Agile, Scrum, MSP, PRINCE2 or PMP

• strong stakeholder management
• leadership and people development
• communication and facilitation
• SDLC governance and controls
• agile delivery (Scrum/SAFe)
• portfolio and programme management

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