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Head of Programmes - Hemel Hempstead

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 Hemel Hempstead

After World War 2, the government set about a programme of building New Towns around the UK to re-house those made homeless by the Blitz. One of the towns built for Londoners was Hemel Hempstead, although a village of the same name had existed there since before medieval times. The town is situated 20 miles (33 km) north west of the centre of London and 10 miles (17 km) south of Luton, with St Albans just to the east.

The town has a shopping centre in the middle, and to the north east there is a large industrial complex called the Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate. The estate came to worldwide prominence in December 2005 when there was a massive explosion at the Buncefield oil storage terminal. The explosion was supposed to be so loud that it was heard on mainland Europe; the sky glowed and a pall of black smoke covered drifted over London; thousands of properties were damaged. As well as being a depot for forecourt tankers, the depot had pipelines going directly to Heathrow Airport, which had to ration fuel and caused some travel disruption.

The depot was such an important part of the nation’s fuel infrastructure that it was ordered to be rebuilt, and it continues to grow as new parts are brought on stream. The rest of the industrial park continues to rebuild, and the town remains an important element in the UK’s supply system. With such good connections to London by road and rail, and with Luton Airport just up the M1, the town is well placed to continue growing. It’s not unusual for Head of Programmes jobs to come up in Hemel Hempstead, so it’s worth checking with us if you are looking.

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Looking to advance your career?

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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