Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformation change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.
The Programme Governance Lead is responsible for the design, implementation, and optimisation of governance frameworks that enable effective, efficient, and proportionate oversight of programme delivery.
The role ensures that governance is integrated with business operating models and decision-making structures, providing the right level of control, transparency, and insight without introducing unnecessary overhead.
This role is critical in establishing delivery confidence, enabling timely decision-making, and ensuring alignment between strategic objectives and execution.
1. Governance Framework Design & Implementation
Design and implement end-to-end governance frameworks tailored to programme scale and complexity, including:
• Unified Portfolio & Delivery Frameworks
• Stage Gate Models (lifecycle governance)
• Hybrid delivery frameworks (Waterfall / Agile integration)
Define governance structures, including:
• Decision forums (SteerCo, Design Authority, Programme Boards)
• Roles, accountabilities, and escalation pathways
Ensure frameworks are:
• Scalable
• Repeatable
• Aligned to industry best practices (e.g. MSP, ISO 21502)
2. Governance Integration with Operating & Decision Models
Ensure governance is fully aligned to the organisation’s:
• Business operating model
• Decision-making hierarchy and authority structures
Define clear decision rights, thresholds, and approval mechanisms
Enable effective flow of information from delivery teams to executive stakeholders
Align governance with:
• Financial controls
• Commercial structures
• Risk and compliance frameworks
3. Business Process Modelling & Optimisation
Develop process models (BPMN or equivalent) to define and communicate governance workflows, including:
• Stage gate processes
• Change control lifecycle
• Risk and issue escalation
Identify inefficiencies and drive process simplification and optimisation
Ensure governance processes are:
• Clearly documented
• Understood by stakeholders
• Consistently applied across the programme
4. Proportionate Governance Design
Design governance that is fit-for-purpose and proportionate to:
• Programme size and complexity
• Risk profile
• Delivery maturity
Avoid excessive bureaucracy by:
• Streamlining approval processes
• Reducing duplication of reporting
• Focusing on decision-enabling artefacts
Tailor governance approaches for:
• Agile vs Waterfall workstreams
• Early discovery vs delivery phases
5. Governance Operation & Continuous Improvement
Establish and run governance cadence and reporting cycles
Provide oversight and quality assurance of:
• Governance artefacts
• Decision packs
• Programme reporting
Monitor effectiveness of governance and implement continuous improvements
Introduce and maintain:
• Standard templates
• Governance playbooks
• Ways of Working guidance
6. Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement
• Engage senior stakeholders to ensure buy-in and adherence to governance
• Act as a trusted advisor to Programme Director and leadership teams
• Facilitate governance forums and decision-making sessions
Provide guidance and coaching to:
• Project Managers
• PMO teams
• Business stakeholders
Requirements
Essential:
Proven experience designing and implementing governance frameworks for complex programmes
Deep understanding of:
• Portfolio, Programme, and Project governance models
• Stage gate methodologies
• Hybrid delivery approaches
Strong business process modelling capability (e.g. BPMN)
Experience integrating governance into:
• Business operating models
• Decision-making structures
Demonstrated ability to design lean, proportionate governance
Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills at senior / executive level
Desirable:
Experience in:
• Energy, Infrastructure, Utilities, or large transformation programmes within highly regulated environments
Knowledge of:
• ISO standards (e.g. ISO 21502, ISO 9001)
• Familiarity with governance, planning, and reporting tools
Behavioural Competencies:
• Structured and systems-thinking mindset
• Ability to simplify complex concepts into clear governance models
• Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement capability
• Pragmatic, outcome-focused approach
• Ability to balance control with agility
• High level of credibility and professional integrity
Benefits
This role is offered on an initial contract basis and can be based on an Outside IR35 Limited Company or PAYE engagement. There is also potential that the role may develop into a staff role on a longer term basis.
At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:
* Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
* Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
* A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.
At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.