Programmes Director

About Us The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups. The Role / Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Programmes Director to lead the governance and performance of the Tech programme portfolio, ensuring that the organisation’s most important strategic programmes are delivered with rigour, transparency and measurable impact. The candidate will have a background in CRM and/or ERP solutions and expertise in improving middle office activities in Lead to Cash across b2b and b2c segments. The ideal candidate is an influential, hands-on senior leader who can skillfully balance strategic oversight, operational excellence, and leadership. Key Responsibilities Team and Portfolio Management: To lead an IT change portfolio of strategic programmes, track delivery and financial performance and value capture. Management of suppliers and statements of work across strategic delivery. Set up and facilitate programme governance forums and/or design authorities and lead supplier meetings as required. Matrix management of a team of project and programme managers. Programme & Project Management: Plan, govern and deliver multiple concurrent workstreams (organisational design, processes, tooling, sourcing, capability uplift, risk & compliance). Manage cross-functional teams and coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders. Business and Benefits case development, project financial management. Champion project practices, coach and maintain minimum standards and implement corrective actions as needed. Change Management: Facilitate effective change management strategies to ensure seamless adoption of new technologies and processes. Communicate the value and impact of technology transformation initiatives to stakeholders at all levels. Provide training, support, and guidance to teams impacted by technology changes. Risk Management & Compliance: Ensures initiatives comply with regulatory, architecture and security standards. Identify potential risks associated with changes and develop mitigation plans. Maintain robust governance frameworks to support sustainable technology operations. Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with business leaders to understand their needs and align transformation initiatives with organisational goals. Act as a bridge between technical teams and business units to ensure seamless collaboration. Provide regular updates and progress reports to senior leadership. Required Skills / Experience Has led multi-programme portfolios (£10m+ equivalent scale, depending on context), including financial management and tracking of value (ROI). Experience delivering multiple large-scale programmes in the Technology sector (senior programme manager or above). Experience in both agile product development environments and structured programme environments. Proven experience in leading IT transformation, digital transformation, or large-scale IT modernisation initiatives. People leadership for project and programme managers in a portfolio-based environment. Understanding of IT infrastructure, SaaS platforms, agile software development, and emerging technologies. Certification in programme and project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, AgilePM) or IT frameworks is preferred. Strong influence rather than a command-and-control style Comfort operating in federated environments Ability to protect delivery rigour without stifling innovation Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. Key Competencies: Mobilises quickly. Strategic vision with the ability to translate goals into actionable plans. Strong analytical and decision-making skills to drive effective IT transformation. Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. Adaptability on managing competing priorities driven by senior management Hands-on delivery, with an ability to work at multiple levels, dependent on programme requirements. Accessibility We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help. Further information At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.