Lead Programme Manager - #2079122

Guildhawk is seeking an experienced Lead Programme Manager to sit at the front of delivery transformation across our Project Management and Programme function.

We are looking for a senior leader who sets direction, raises standards, and actively drives change across people, processes and client delivery.

The Lead Programme Manager will provide programme‑level oversight across complex client engagements, lead and develop project and programme managers, and act as the senior authority on delivery judgement, quality and risk. This role is pivotal in reducing delivery load at senior leadership level by owning transformation on the ground.

What You’ll Do

Programme & Delivery Leadership

• Provide programme‑level leadership across multiple complex, multi‑workstream client engagements
• Set clear standards for delivery quality, decision‑making and accountability across programmes and teams
• Act as the senior escalation point for delivery, resourcing, quality and risk issues
• Own delivery outcomes end‑to‑end, including difficult judgement calls under pressure

Transformation & Standards

• Lead delivery transformation across the PM and Programme function, driving consistent ways of working
• Challenge existing processes and behaviours where they no longer serve client or business needs
• Translate lessons learned into clear, enforceable team standards
• Reduce ambiguity by setting direction rather than seeking consensus

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a team of project and programme managers, setting expectations and holding performance to account
• Support progression of Programme Managers and Senior PMs through structured guidance and feedback
• Act as a firm, fair and visible leadership presence for the delivery team

Client & Commercial Responsibility

• Lead and participate in senior client meetings, both remotely and in person
• Scope and design solutions (including pricing) to meet client needs — from straightforward translation work to complex solutions involving SaaS platforms, AI/ML workflows and audiovisual production
• Confidently challenge client assumptions and requests where required to protect quality, risk and outcomes
• Collaborate closely with Customer Success, Sales and Product teams to align delivery with client goals and commercial objectives

AI, Technology & Governance

• Provide clear leadership on the appropriate use of AI and automation within delivery
• Hold and defend Guildhawk’s position of certainty over unverified AI output in client and internal discussions
• Ensure technology‑enabled solutions are robust, verifiable and fit for purpose
• Drive quality, compliance and continuous improvement in line with ISO standards

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years’ experience in project and/or programme management within language services, technology, SaaS or similar delivery environments
• Demonstrable experience overseeing complex, multi‑workstream delivery
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing delivery teams
• A leadership style that is decisive, direct and comfortable setting boundaries
• Strong personal accountability — able to own mistakes plainly and use them to improve team performance
• Sound judgement around AI, automation and technology — understanding where it adds value and where it does not
• Commercial awareness, including margin, resourcing and risk considerations
• Confidence engaging with enterprise clients and senior stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of CAT tools, language technology, APIs, AI‑enabled workflows and platforms such as Copilot
• Experience working within ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17100 environments (desirable)

What We Offer

• Hybrid Remote First working environment
• London or Sheffield base
• Development plan tailored to your needs to support long‑term growth
• Friendly, collaborative and ambitious team
• Internal training on Guildhawk products, services and ISO‑certified processes
• Competitive salary and benefits package