Senior Programme Manager

Dubizzle Limited; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education technology company based in Leeds is seeking a Senior Programme Manager to lead and manage complex programmes within Multi-Academy Trusts and Local Authorities. In this role, you will build relationships with key stakeholders, oversee software deployments, and guide implementation teams toward success. This position requires extensive SaaS programme management experience and strong leadership skills, with a commitment to improving educational environments. The role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working conditions.

Benefits

32 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Life Assurance paid out at 3x annual salary

Private Dental Insurance with Bupa

Enhanced maternity and adoption leave

Dog friendly offices

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in programme management in a SaaS environment, preferably in education.
• Proven track record of managing complex software deployments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of complex programmes for the deployment of Arbor’s solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Lead executive-level meetings and prepare presentations to communicate programme statuses.

Skills

Programme management

Communication

Leadership

Analytical skills

Change management

Education

Relevant certifications in programme management

Tools

CRM/MIS systems

Advanced spreadsheet skills

Job description

Location: Leeds, Hybrid

Starting Salary: £50,000

12 month FTC

About Us

At Arbor, we're on a mission to transform the way schools work for the better. We believe that education should be a joyful experience not just for students, but for the staff who dedicate their lives to it. Our management information systems (MIS) and tools have already positively impacted over 7,000 schools and trusts. By giving time and power back to educators, we’re helping foster happier working environments.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic Senior Programme Manager to lead our strategic initiatives in large Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and Local Authorities. This pivotal role will involve overseeing complex programmes, nurturing long-term partnerships, and facilitating the successful implementation of Arbor’s product suite, including Arbor MIS, Arbor Finance, and Timetabler. Your focus will be on maximizing the value and adoption of our solutions, guiding clients through their journey with Arbor.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of complex programmes for the deployment of Arbor’s solutions.
• Plan and scope programmes, aligning them with client priorities and ensuring timely achievement of milestones.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Lead executive-level meetings and prepare presentations to communicate programme statuses effectively.
• Mentor and guide implementation teams, promoting a culture of excellence.
• Develop strategic account plans to maximize Arbor's value and identify growth opportunities.
• Handle risks, dependencies, and issues proactively, ensuring timely resolutions.
• Drive continuous improvement in programme delivery methodologies.
• Monitor programme performance metrics and report progress to senior management.Support pre-sales activities by advising on large bids and ensuring accurate scope and pricing.
• Ensure smooth transitions from implementation to ongoing support for client success.
• Lead implementation of the entire Arbor product suite, ensuring seamless integration.
• Provide guidance to Local Authorities on onboarding processes for Arbor Finance.
• Oversee data migration processes, ensuring data integrity for school operations.
• Stay updated on educational technology trends and best practices.

About You

• Extensive experience in programme management in a SaaS environment, preferably in education.
• Proven track record of managing complex software deployments.
• Deep understanding of the educational landscape and experience working with senior management in schools or trusts.
• Ability to influence strategic decisions and maintain relationships with C-level stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills.
• Experience in developing strategic account plans.
• Familiarity with programme management methodologies (e.g., Prince2, Agile).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading change management initiatives.
• Proficient in CRM/MIS systems and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Willingness to travel nationally (20-40%).
• Relevant certifications in programme management are highly desirable.

What we offer

The chance to work alongside a team of hard-working, passionate people in a role where you’ll see the impact of your work everyday. We also offer:

• A dedicated wellbeing team who champion initiatives such as mindfulness, lunch n learns, manager training, mental health first aid training and much more!
• 32 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays). This is made up of 25 days annual leave plus 7 extra company wide days given over Easter, Summer & Christmas
• Life Assurance paid out at 3x annual salary
• Comprehensive wellness benefit provided by AIG Smart Health, which provides a 24/7 virtual GP service, Mental health support, Counselling, and personalised Health Checks
• Private Dental Insurance with Bupa
• Salary sacrifice Pension provided by Scottish Widows
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave (20 weeks full pay) and paternity (6 weeks full pay) pay
• 5 free return to work maternity coaching sessions, helping you adapt to this new exciting time of life!
• Access to services such as Calm and Bippit (financial wellbeing coaching)
• All of our roles champion flexible working and we are happy to discuss what this means to you
• Social committees that plan team, office and company wide events to bring people together and celebrate success
• Dedicated professional development training budget (CPD courses, upskilling resources, professional memberships etc)
• Volunteer with a charity of your choice for a day each year
• Dog friendly offices!

Interview process

1. Phone screen
2. 1st stage
3. 2nd stage

How to Apply

To help us get a better understanding of your background and what makes you a great fit for this specific position, we'd love it if you could support your application with a cover letter as we are not in a position to consider it without one.

This is a great opportunity for you to highlight what excites you about this role and how your unique experience translates to success here.

We are committed to a fair and comfortable recruitment process, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview process, please reach out to a member of the team at [e-mail].

Our commitment is also backed by our partnership with Neurodiversity Consultancy, Lexxic who provide us with training, support and advice.

Arbor Education is an equal opportunities organisation

Our goal is for Arbor to be a workplace which represents, celebrates and supports people from all backgrounds, and which gives them the tools they need to thrive - whatever their ambitions may be so we support and promote diversity and equality, and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.