Senior Program Manager (Public Sector)

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together. We believe in a people-first culture , where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration. Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger. As a Principal Delivery Manager, you will be accountable for leading the successful and efficient delivery of digital transformation programmes across Kainos’s Public Sector client group portfolio. Your focus will be on managing and strengthening delivery across multiple engagements , ensuring clear governance, effective collaboration, and a strong emphasis on achieving outcomes that meet client needs. In addition to delivery leadership, you will play a key role in driving account growth by identifying new opportunities, building relationships with Director and CxO-level stakeholders, and shaping proposals that reflect evolving client priorities. You will take ownership of the demand for staff across your engagements and work closely with BU Operations to manage our delivery capacity and resourcing decisions. Supporting and empowering Kainos teams is central to the role – helping individuals perform, learn, and grow in line with our company values. As a senior management role, you may also take on wider management responsibilities within the Public business and our broader Delivery capability as required. Mandatory requirements: Minimum of 7 years of experience in programme management within the Public Sector, preferably central government. Proven experience planning, coordinating and managing complex programmes across multiple teams and suppliers , circa 50+ staff. Experience in leading bespoke software delivery. Experience in using agile methodologies . Proven track record of delivering complex £10m+ per anum programmes on time and within budget, fast-moving, complex delivery environments and fixed delivery timescales. Managing multi-disciplinary teams, and achieving measurable outcomes for end users. Proven experience in a client-facing environment , building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders at Director and/or CxO-level. Strong experience in managing and leading programme teams including line management responsibility. Proven ability to manage, motivate and empower teams and lead by example. Strong experience supporting business development and account growth , including contributing to strategic planning, identifying new opportunities, and helping shape and write compelling bid and tender responses. Confident working closely with account teams to align proposals with client needs and priorities. Experience leading or contributing to bid responses for Public Sector procurements, with a solid understanding of effective bid writing. Strong commercial awareness and sound understanding of project dynamics, particularly in a multi-supplier environment. Experience of establishing and adhering to robust project governance and technical quality standards. Broad technology experience, awareness of current technology trends and a solid understanding of contemporary software engineering practices and behaviours. Strong ability to make reasoned decisions under pressure taking a balanced view of client demands, Kainos commercial interests and the impact on the Kainos team. Personal attributes: personable, credible and can communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, including formal presentations. Excellent interpersonal skills and strong negotiating prowess. Mature, firm but non-confrontational style. A positive attitude to overcoming the challenges facing our clients. Highly flexible (including a willingness to work away from home base). You will be responsible for: Delivery leadership – you will take ownership of complex programme delivery, ensuring workstreams are aligned to strategic goals and deliver measurable value. Your focus will go beyond time, budget, and scope to include long-term impact, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Assurance and governance – you will establish and maintain effective governance structures, ensuring clear accountability and robust risk management. You will actively manage risks and issues, escalating where needed to protect delivery and maintain client confidence. Commercial management – you will be responsible for meeting or exceeding profitability targets, while ensuring accurate, timely forecasting and reporting of key project metrics such as cost, revenue, and margin Account growth – you will proactively identify and develop new opportunities to expand our footprint within the Public accounts you support. This includes playing a key role in account teams, shaping strategic conversations with clients, contributing to account planning, and supporting the development of compelling bids and pitches. Innovation – you will be responsible for leading and implementing process efficiencies to the benefit of our customers, encouraging innovation in technology and process. You will foster a culture of innovation within delivery teams, encouraging the use of new technologies, tools, and ways of working to drive continuous improvement and better outcomes. People management – you will lead, motivate and empower individuals within the Delivery capability, creating a positive, high-performing culture where people can grow. Embracing our differences At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.