Programme Manager
Salary: Dependent on skills and experience
Contract Type: 6 Month Secondment – 35 hours a week
Grade: Department Leader
Manager: Jo McDonald
Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
The salary advertised is a guide based on our current reward architecture, the salary offered would be within the salary range for the role. If you are submitting an application for a lateral move, i.e. a move to a role at the same grade, there is no automatic/guaranteed salary increase.
Make a Difference in Transformation & Change
As a Programme Manager within our Transformation & Change team you will be responsible for the management and delivery of major projects, programmes and/or Portfolios within the Society’s overall Change Portfolio. You will drive continuous improvement of the Wesleyan’s overall change delivery capability through Identifying, standardising and adopting key learns from project-to-project and through performance management and the development of other project managers.
Your Impact
- Is accountable for the controlled delivery of programmes/Portfolio’s or large and complex projects spanning multiple functions, and business units to achieve Wesleyan business benefits.
- Ability to design, initiate and lead a range of projects / programmes, building high performing project teams to enable the delivery to agreed scope, cost and timescales achieving the end business benefit.
- Manages risks, issues and dependencies efficiently and effectively, escalating where necessary and resolving if appropriate.
- Specialist input to other programmes, projects and business areas as required (eg, in scoping new initiatives).
- Drafts detailed plans and budgets adopting appropriate management processes to track and report project / programme progress.
- Responds quickly and decisively to tackle significant issues, keeping others focused and on track in agreeing and delivering effective countermeasures.
- Drafts, manages & tracks resource estimates for large projects, programmes or portfolios consolidating project data where appropriate.
- Spots trends and hotspots of resource utilisation and uses this information for the effective planning of projects/programmes or Portfolio.
- Build strong relationships with key business stakeholders (formal and informal).
- Secures buy-in and commitment from others both inside and outside of the project teams / programme framework in order to build positive working relationships and joint successes.
- Ensures that the Wesleyan’s Change Framework is followed by all projects within the Programme/Portfolio and all governance requirements are adhered to.
- Line management of other project managers if required.
- Coaching/mentoring of programme support, trainee and non-trainee project managers and workstream leads where appropriate to improve change delivery.
- Delivers difficult messages when necessary whilst retaining personal brand of trust and integrity with business stakeholders of all levels.
- Promotes the sharing and development of ‘best practice’ in project management techniques and ensuring ‘lessons learned’ are captured through effective reflection on project & programme performance.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven track record of working within a similar Programme Manager position.
- Proven previous experience of delivering projects/programmes focused on Consumer Duty or Customer Retention.
- APMP or Prince2 qualified up to Practitioner Level.
- MSP qualified.
- Competent in the use of various Microsoft packages, including PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Microsoft Project 2003, Word and Outlook.
- People management/Leadership skills.
- Able to demonstrate detailed knowledge and application of Project Management techniques and processes, including but not limited to.
- Planning & estimating
- RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues & Dependencies)
- Able to demonstrate detailed knowledge and application of project & Programme management techniques and processes.
- Excellent communication skills up to Board level – written, verbal & presentation.
- Experience of successfully managing programme/portfolios budgets (in excess of £5 million).
Growing at Wesleyan
We’re building a culture where everyone belongs. Diversity isn’t just a policy—it’s part of who we are. Whatever your background, we want you to feel valued and empowered to thrive. With over 35% of our vacancies being filled by internal colleague moves, we are committed to supporting your development within the business.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know—we’re here to support you.
Ready to Shape Your Future?
Please discuss you application for this role with line manager before applying for this position, so that we can support your progression and development.
What to Know Before Applying
Please note: We are giving priority interview opportunities to colleagues whose current roles are At Risk of Redundancy. If we receive interest for this role from this group of colleagues who demonstrate the minimum criteria, they will be considered first.
We’re proud supporters of the ABI Making Flexible Work campaign, which means we’re open to discussing flexible working, job shares, and part-time options.
Please note this is role is subject to regulatory requirements. As a financial services organisation we are committed to adopting the highest standards and we do this by employing individuals with the appropriate skills, experience and integrity to protect the Wesleyan Group and our customers. Relevant checks and assessments will be carried out during the recruitment process. The nature of the checks will depend on whether the role is subject to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) or the Insurance Distribution Directive Please note a criminal record check and credit check will apply and this role is also subject to ongoing checks in line with the Group SMCR Framework (Fit & Proper Policy).