Senior IT Program Manager
About the Organization
Our client is a major public-sector organization responsible for delivering large-scale services to citizens and businesses. The organization is undergoing significant digital transformation initiatives and is investing heavily in modernizing its information systems, processes, and service delivery capabilities. Operating in a complex stakeholder environment, it manages numerous strategic programs that require strong governance, coordination, and alignment between business and IT teams.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior IT Program Manager to lead and coordinate a portfolio of strategic technology projects supporting major business transformation initiatives.
In this role, you will act as the key interface between business stakeholders, project managers, and IT departments, ensuring that all projects within your program are aligned, synchronized, and delivered successfully. You will provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction across multiple interconnected projects while ensuring adherence to budget, timelines, quality standards, and organizational objectives.
The position requires a strong combination of program management expertise, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and a solid understanding of software delivery and digital transformation environments.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Governance
* Lead and coordinate multiple IT projects within a strategic program.
* Define and maintain the overall program roadmap and delivery strategy.
* Ensure alignment between business objectives and technology initiatives.
* Represent the IT organization in business steering committees and governance forums.
* Establish effective governance structures and decision-making processes.
Stakeholder Management
* Identify and engage key stakeholders across business and IT functions.
* Clarify roles, responsibilities, and accountability across the program.
* Facilitate communication and collaboration between all parties involved.
* Build strong relationships with senior management and executive stakeholders.
Planning & Delivery Oversight
* Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans covering scope, timelines, resources, budget, quality, security, and performance objectives.
* Manage dependencies and interconnections between projects.
* Define delivery priorities in collaboration with business and IT leadership.
* Ensure all projects contribute effectively to the overall program objectives.
Budget & Resource Management
* Monitor consolidated program budgets and financial performance.
* Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources.
* Work closely with delivery managers and technical leads to manage team capacity and workload planning.
* Anticipate resource constraints and implement mitigation actions when required.
Risk & Performance Management
* Identify and manage program-level risks, issues, and dependencies.
* Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
* Drive corrective and preventive actions to maintain delivery objectives.
* Escalate critical issues when necessary and ensure appropriate resolution.
Reporting & Communication
* Consolidate program reporting for executive management and governance bodies.
* Organize and facilitate program meetings, steering committees, and review sessions.
* Maintain accurate documentation, meeting records, and action plans.
* Promote transparency and information sharing across the program.
Quality Assurance & Delivery Consistency
* Review and validate key project deliverables to ensure consistency and alignment across the program.
* Support adherence to quality, architecture, security, and operational standards.
* Ensure that project outcomes contribute effectively to the intended business benefits.
Coaching & Leadership
* Provide guidance and support to project managers and delivery teams.
* Promote best practices in project and program management.
* Drive change management and stakeholder adoption initiatives.
* Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across teams.
Required Experience & Skills
Program & Project Management
* Extensive experience managing large-scale IT programs composed of multiple concurrent projects.
* Proven track record in program governance, planning, budgeting, and stakeholder management.
* Experience delivering complex digital transformation initiatives.
Methodologies
* Expert knowledge of Agile delivery methodologies and Agile principles.
* Strong practical experience with PRINCE2 and PMI/PMBOK frameworks.
* Experience applying formal Program Management methodologies in diverse environments.
Technical Understanding
* Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
* Ability to review and understand functional, technical, and architectural documentation.
* Familiarity with software quality standards and best practices.
* Ability to interpret UML and BPMN models.
Tools
* Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
* SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.
* Project Portfolio Management tools such as Microsoft Project, Planisware, Clarity, or Sciforma.
* Azure DevOps or similar project tracking tools.
Leadership & Communication
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to influence and engage senior executives and decision-makers.
* Strong coaching, mentoring, and change management capabilities.
* Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience working within public-sector or highly regulated environments.
* Knowledge of public procurement and tendering processes.
* Experience managing large-scale transformation programs involving multiple stakeholders, departments, and technology teams.