Head of Progammes & Projects

Head of Programmes & Projects

Location: Based across Northern Ireland

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (09:00 - 17:30)

Hybrid: 2-3 days per week in the office (other days at home or on site)

Salary: Competitive, plus annual performance related bonus

We are seeking an experienced Head of Programmes & Projects to provide strategic leadership across a complex, multi-year portfolio of programmes and projects.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished programme professional who can bring strong governance, commercial control and delivery expertise to a high-profile contract environment. You will be responsible for ensuring that programmes and projects are clearly defined, effectively governed, safely delivered and aligned with client strategic outcomes.

Working closely with the Contract Director and key stakeholders, you will lead the Programme & Projects function, overseeing a diverse portfolio of capital, lifecycle, refurbishment and improvement projects ranging from £10k to £4.8m+.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction across the full Programme and Project portfolio

• Developing and maintaining multi-year programmes of work, ensuring effective prioritisation, sequencing and resource alignment

• Establishing robust governance frameworks, reporting structures, assurance processes and audit-ready controls

• Ensuring delivery complies with NEC4 contract requirements, including programme management, change control, early warnings and compensation events

• Overseeing project mobilisation, delivery and close-out through effective management of consultants, contractors and supply chain partners

• Leading performance reporting, risk management, financial forecasting and benefits realisation

• Building strong relationships with client leadership, public sector stakeholders and operational teams

About you:

You will be a strategic and commercially focused programme leader with experience managing complex, multi-site estates or infrastructure programmes.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience delivering complex programmes and projects

• Proven experience managing multi-year programmes, governance frameworks and project controls

• Strong knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contract management and commercial processes

• Experience managing consultants, integrated design teams and supply chain partners

• Strong financial management skills, including forecasting, cost control and change management

• Experience delivering projects within regulated, operationally sensitive or public sector environments

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Surveying or related discipline

• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, RIBA or equivalent)

• Recognised programme/project management qualification (MSP, PRINCE2, APM or equivalent) desirable

Please note: This role is subject to successful security vetting. To be eligible, applicants must have continuously resided in the UK for the last 5 years and be willing to undergo the required security clearance process.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in delivering a strategically important programme of work, driving improved outcomes, value for money and operational excellence.

If you are an experienced programme leader looking for your next senior challenge, we would welcome your application.

📧For more information, contact me at [email protected] or apply directly through LinkedIn.