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 Salford
The city of Salford grew up around the same time as neighbouring Manchester until the two merged into one great metropolis, now called Greater Manchester, as the Industrial Revolution got into full swing. Both cities lie within the boundaries of the M60, the Greater Manchester ringroad, and are also joined by the inner ringroad, the Mancunian Way. Salford takes in several towns such as Eccles, Swinton, Pendlebury, Walkden and Irlam, bringing the total population to around 240,000. Although Manchester and Salford have similar histories, Salford was always to be in Manchester’s shadow commercially, and there is no discernible city centre to speak of, whereas Manchester’s central business district is large.
A great engineering feat was the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, which linked Salford and Manchester to the Irish Sea for practically any vessel – this was no barge canal. It ended the dominance of Liverpool as a sea port and brought trade and allowed export directly from the factories and mills. Its terminus was a huge port with massive berths, in what is now Salford Quays. Although ships do still use the canal, the quays are now a massive development of shopping, museums, galleries and residential units. MediCityUK is there, and it’s where many parts of the BBC, including 5 Live, Breakfast, Sport and Children’s are now based.
Salford is extremely well connected, sharing Manchester’s road, rail, tram, canal and international airport network. It’s also a thriving and vital part of Greater Manchester, with its own industry, university and a major hospital. With the huge industrial estate of Trafford Park on the doorstep and a conurbation of 2.5 million to serve, it’s no wonder that we regularly handle Head of Programmes jobs in Salford.
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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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