Job Description Job title: Senior Programme Manager Location: Liverpool & London/travelling to other sites across the UK Salary: up to £85,000 Vargo is looking for an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, multi-million-pound service transformation programmes within the UK public sector. You will provide end-to-end programme leadership, from mobilisation and governance design through to delivery oversight and benefits realisation, ensuring alignment with GDS standards and best practice digital delivery. Key Responsibilities • Lead large, multi-million-pound digital and service transformation programmes. • Establish effective programme governance aligned to public sector best practice. • Oversee delivery across Discovery, Alpha, Beta and Live in line with GDS standards. • Define scope, outcomes, milestones, dependencies and benefits realisation. • Drive performance and accountability across multiple workstreams. • Implement proportionate governance, risk and reporting frameworks. • Provide clear reporting to SROs, Boards and governance forums. • Manage programme risks, interdependencies and critical path activities. • Prepare teams for GDS service assessments and assurance gateways. • Build strong relationships with SROs, Executive Directors and policy leads. • Provide strategic advice and senior-level challenge. • Align digital delivery with organisational strategy and operational readiness. • Operate effectively within complex political environments. • Manage budgets, forecasts and financial controls. • Oversee commercial arrangements and supplier performance. • Ensure value for money across the programme lifecycle. • Lead and mentor delivery managers and multidisciplinary teams. • Promote collaboration, transparency and continuous improvement. • Support clients in developing sustainable internal programme capability. Essential Experience • Experience delivering complex, multi-million-pound public sector transformation programmes. • Strong knowledge of GDS Service Standard and the digital lifecycle (Discovery, Alpha, Beta, Live). • Experience establishing governance and delivery frameworks. • Experience leading programmes through GDS service assessments. • Consultancy or client-side advisory background. • Experience in local or central government transformation. • Proven ability to manage Board- and Executive-level stakeholders. LI-PB1