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 Milton Keynes
Situated in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes is a new town that was designated in 1967. At the time, it was selected due to its more-or-less equal distance from Birmingham, London, Leicester, Cambridge and Oxford.
Before it was a new town, however, Milton Keynes was a village - and one with an intriguing history. Early settlements in the area date back to the Iron Age, while other inhabitants over the centuries included Romans, Normans and the Anglo-Saxons.
Today, Milton Keynes comprises a number of communities. Bletchley, for instance was an important location during the second world war - it was home to the Government Code and Cypher School, where Alan Turing (often called the father of computer science) helped to crack the Enigma code. Meanwhile, Bradwell Abbey was a Benedictine Priory and was an economic hub prior to the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
For anyone seeking Head of Programmes opportunities, there are a number of big names that call the region home. These include The Open University, Abbey National, Buckingham Foods and Argos. Coca-Cola has a large manufacturing site in Milton Keynes, producing Capri-Sun and Monster Energy products, as well as bulk products for distribution to companies like McDonald's.
In addition, organisations that promote sustainable energy - such as the National Energy Foundation and the National Home Energy Rating Scheme are located in Knowlhill, along with the National House Building Council, a number of law firms, graphics design companies and warehousing facilities.
Popular locations
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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