Program Manager - Public Sector Projects

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Program Manager - Public Sector Projects

Location: London

Job Type: Full-time

Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead and oversee public sector projects across the UK. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing large, complex programs within government or public sector environments and will ensure the successful delivery of key initiatives in line with regulatory standards and project goals. This is a leadership role that involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing stakeholders, and delivering impactful public sector solutions on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale public sector programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and governmental policies.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders within the public sector, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and third-party partners, to ensure program success.
• Define and manage program scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring they meet agreed specifications and quality standards.
• Oversee the development of detailed program plans, schedules, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of available resources.
• Lead risk management efforts, identifying potential risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies across program phases.
• Drive collaboration across multiple workstreams, including technical, operational, and business teams, ensuring all teams work together toward program objectives.
• Track program progress, using KPIs and metrics to report on status, budget, timelines, and performance to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate all communications with internal teams, public sector clients, and stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and smooth execution.
• Ensure all program activities are compliant with public sector regulations, data privacy laws, procurement policies, and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Lead program reviews and post-implementation assessments to evaluate success, capture lessons learned, and continuously improve program delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, Public Administration, or related field.
• Senior experience in program management, including managing large-scale public sector or government projects.
• Proven track record of delivering multi-million-pound public sector programs within time and budget constraints.
• Experience working with government departments, councils, or agencies in the UK, with a strong understanding of public sector procurement processes and regulations.
• Expertise in project management methodologies, including Agile, PRINCE2, and Waterfall, with relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, MSP, or PRINCE2).
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to influence, lead cross-functional teams, and manage conflict effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across multiple levels of government and external contractors.
• Proficient in program and project management tools such as MS Project, Jira, and other planning and tracking software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience managing digital transformation or IT projects within the public sector.
• Knowledge of public sector policies, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements in the UK.
• Understanding of UK government funding cycles and budget management for public projects.
• Familiarity with G-Cloud and Digital Marketplace frameworks or similar public procurement processes.

If you wish to apply kindly send your profile to christina.ioannidis@cognizant.com

The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 345,000 associates around the world.
• We don't just dream of a better way - we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what's right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that's right for you.

About us:
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) is one of the world's leading professional services companies, helping organizations modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion:
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity, champions equity and values inclusion. We are dedicated to nurturing a community where everyone feels heard, accepted and welcome. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws.

Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.