Senior Project Manager / Junior Programme Manager - Technology Workstream
3 Months initially
£450-550 P/D (TBC) Inside IR35
X2 days per week onsite in Cambridge
Overview
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Senior Project Manager / Junior Programme Manager to bring structure, clarity, and coordination to a complex and fast-moving technology workstream.
This role is not focused on delivery execution, but instead on planning, orchestration, and integration across multiple technical disciplines. You will play a critical role in creating a cohesive view of activity, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring that all components of the technology workstream are structured for success.
This is an independent role, requiring strong leadership, stakeholder influence, and the ability to operate effectively in a chaotic or evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a single integrated plan across the technology workstream, covering:
- Architecture
- Business Analysis
- Security
- Core technology teams
- Delivery functions
- Define and establish clear milestones and success criteria for the technology workstream
- Identify, map, and manage dependencies across workstreams
- Ensure all activities are aligned and progressing against agreed timelines
- Implement and track risk mitigation strategies
- Bring structure and organisation to a complex, multi-team environment
- Lead stakeholder management and engagement, working closely with senior leaders and sponsors
- "Corral" senior stakeholders into a clear success framework, driving alignment and accountability
- Produce weekly and monthly reporting (multiple stakeholders and audiences)
- Support the creation of:
- Business cases (programme and project level)
- Project estimates and planning inputs
- Act as the technology representative across wider governance forums (e.g. portfolio and central functions)
Key Deliverables
- A clear, unified "who, what, when, why, where" plan for the technology workstream
- A fully integrated roadmap covering all technology domains
- Defined milestones, dependencies, and critical paths
- Regular, high-quality reporting packs
- Structured inputs into business cases and programme governance
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Senior Project Manager or Junior Programme Manager in complex environments
- Strong planning and orchestration skills (not just delivery management)
- Experience creating integrated plans across multiple workstreams
- Ability to manage ambiguity and bring structure to unorganised environments
- Strong stakeholder management, including influencing senior leaders
- Experience identifying and managing dependencies and risks across large initiatives
- Solid understanding of technology functions (architecture, BA, delivery, etc.)
- Business analysis mindset (e.g. structured thinking, requirements awareness), but not a dedicated BA role
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in a regulated environment
- Background in:
- Higher education
- Publishing
- Media
Contract Details
- Initial 3-month engagement, focused on organising and structuring the technology workstream
- Likely to evolve into:
- Business case development
- Programme-level planning
- Individual project management responsibilities
Ideal Candidate Profile
- A self-starter who can operate independently
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- A strong organiser and integrator, not just a task manager
- Able to drive clarity, alignment, and momentum across senior stakeholders
If this sounds like you, please get in touch!
