Head of Programmes - Cheltenham

Head of Programmes Jobs

When a company is embarking on a major business change or transformation programme, the most important thing is to make sure the right team is in place to ensure everything is planned and managed properly. The head of programmes may lead a small team, an entire business or something in between, depending on the size and structure of the company and the programmes being implemented.

The head of programmes are usually quite specialized, dealing with an area with which they have wide experience and expertise, although in novel industries where such specialized talent is thin on the ground, heads of programmes are often sourced by their understanding of change and transformation and what the best means are of delivering them. The head of programmes is sometimes an executive level role with a seat on the board, but it can also be a senior management role without directorial powers and responsibilities.

The skills required

By their very nature, change and transformation professionals are often at the cutting edge of the technological and methodological advances in their fields, so companies can find it difficult to find heads of programmes who are experienced in exactly their field. This provides great opportunities for candidates who have a proven record of leading successful programmes in similar circumstances to show companies what they are capable of.

It is worth noting that some companies require specific qualifications in their heads of programmes that are dependent upon the sector in which they operate. However, there’s no standard skill set for this role – it’s usually a case of being fully briefed by the company and then analyzing the company in minute detail to find out how the proposed change or transformation programme can be implemented. This is a role that is won at the interview stage as you convince the company that you have the talent and drive to see their project through.

Head of Programmes Jobs in Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a historic spa town (sometimes called Cheltenham Spa) in Gloucestershire, about 7 miles (12 km) to the east of the county town, Gloucester. The town grew in popularity after a royal visit in the late 1700s, which brought its mineral waters national renown. It is known internationally as a site of festivals. There are the Literature, Jazz, Science and Music festivals to occupy the locals and bring in tourists, but most famous of all is the one simply called the Cheltenham Festival, a week-long National Hunt horse-racing event culminating in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The town is a hotbed of high-tech industry, too, with electronics and aerospace playing their parts in the local economy. Tourism is and important wealth creator too. The west of the town is dominated by the UK’s national intelligence and eavesdropping centre, the GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), an organisation that dates back to the First World War and has been at Cheltenham since 1951. During the Second World War it was located at the famous Bletchley Park.

The blend of hi-tech industry, an affluent populace and a thriving retail sector make Cheltenham a prime location for a variety of supply chain, logistics and procurement positions, and Head of Programmes jobs will appear in and around the time from time to time, although GCHQ will probably know about it before we do!

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Find Head of Programmes Jobs with Cast UK

For managerial and director-level jobs in change and transformation programmes, look no further than Cast UK. We have offices in the UK’s three main business hubs – London, Manchester and Birmingham – and a list of clients from John o'Groats to Land’s End, looking for expertise in their programmes.

If you have the experience and a thirst to tackle a brand new challenge delivering programmes to completion in a job where your skills are truly valued, call Cast UK today on 0333 121 3345 so we can put you in touch with some of the best in the business.

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