As the new Programme Manager you will be responsible for the Project Managers and the successful delivery of all major programmes within IT.

Programme Manager| Permanent | Dunstable (hybrid working with coming into office 2 days a week)

Whitbread is investing heavily into its people and its technology, and as such are looking to hire a Delivery Manager to be the lead on some exciting technology programmes. 

About the role:

• End to end responsibility for the successful delivery of major transformation programmes of work in support of the Whitbread IT Business workplan
• Definition and delivery of large and/or complex programmes and/or a collection of related projects to enable defined business outcomes and related business benefits for the WHB UK Hotel and Restaurant business
• Management and execution of all project deliveries within approved project budgets (£1M - £20m)  

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide programme management expertise to deliver one of WHB’s strategic programmes and / or a portfolio of transformation projects within time and budget tolerances
• Work alongside senior business and IT stakeholders to ensure your teams deliver to a high standard
• Provide strategic thought leadership and take accountability for programme or portfolio scope and quality
• Manage both the dependencies and the interfaces between programmes, projects, channels and platforms, as well as the risks and issues jeopardising your teams’ success, ensuring that the appropriate resources are utilised, stakeholders are regularly informed and that the consequences of any actions are clearly understood  
• Support the definition of business case and monitor overall benefits tracking and report back performance against benefits post initial deployment prior to handover to service
• Ensure programme risks and issues are managed / mitigated to the highest standard
• Drive communities of practice across delivery function
• Develop and maintain close working relationship with Strategy & Architecture, Service and Digital teams
• Ensure portfolios, programme and projects are planned and resourced effectively, and have robust and clear delivery approaches
• Ensure all programmes of work are delivered in accordance to Whitbread’s governance arrangements
• Ensure commercial arrangements with partners are set effectively and are competitive
• Ensure all programme and project finances are tracked end-to-end and in line with Whitbread methodology
• Ensure all resource forecasting for programmes and projects are managed correctly
• Drive consistency and high standards across the delivery function
• People and activity manage direct reports
• Assure programme transition successfully from delivery into managed support/service
• Manage, direct and motivate key IT resources (project managers, solution architects, business analysts, testing resources) and other key resources across the technology function in a matrix style organisational structure

What you’ll need:

• Deep programme and project background with more than 10 years programme and project management experience
• Solid experience operating with both Agile and waterfall delivery methodologies
• Multi-year experience of Supplier Management, RFI and RFP processes
• Demonstrable experience of delivering multiple large technology integration projects from concept through to operational use
• Strong understanding of the underlying business processes required to trade, operate and support a Hotel business or equivalent business
• Proven experience of directing and motivating programme and project delivery teams
• Strong understanding of Enterprise software (HR, CRM/B, Reservations etc.), Networks or Digital used to support the hospitality sector
• Relationship Management – ability to build, establish and maintain influential relationships to drive effective decision making
• Strong stakeholder management skills with multiple external suppliers/service providers. 
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.

In return, we will offer you: 

• An annual Whitbread performance incentive worth up to 30% of base salary  
• Car Allowance or Car
• An optional contributory pension matched up to 10%
• Individual / Family BUPA healthcare 
• Up to 60% discount on Premier Inn stays and a regular 25% discount in our Restaurant brands  
• Access to Whitbread’s Save As You Earn scheme, with a fantastic 20% discount on Whitbread shares 
• Recognition for service anniversaries, starting from 1 year 
• Access to a range of discounts from everyday brands 
• Charity donations through our Give and Match and Raise and Match schemes 
• A collaborative work culture that focuses on enabling your success and continuing your personal development 
• Hybrid working and a genuine flexible working policy