Programme and business operations manager

Direct reports:

None

Accountabilities: 

This role plays a critical part in supporting programme delivery and business planning at GS1 UK. The individual will work cross-functionally to develop, plan and monitor the delivery of programmes and projects that support GS1 UK’s strategic plan. The role will also be responsible for maintaining excellent programme governance, will be committed to a culture of continuous improvement and best operational practice

GS1 UK operates on a three-year strategic planning cycle and is currently in the first year of its new strategic plan; ‘Powering a world of possibilities’. This is supported by more detailed operating plans, from across the business, that this role will help to facilitate each year. This role plays a key part in contributing to the successful delivery of the strategy and will play a key role in the development of the next strategic plan in 2027.

This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, project management skills and business acumen to ensure that both programs and business plans are delivered. It also requires the ability to understand business operations and work closely with colleagues to drive both collaboration and operational improvements. 

Reporting into the CFO, this is a highly visible role across the organisation working regularly with senior management and executive directors.

Key responsibilities:

Programme and project management
  • Drive the ongoing development of a programme management culture, providing support to programme/project leaders and their teams in the form of training, guidance, guidelines, templates and documentation
  • Balance the need to hold programme/project managers and departmental managers to account for delivery of quality and timely management information, with the need for effective and collaborative working culture
  • Take a lead of developing the [PMO and business planning function] so that it is fit for purpose, future-proofed and can support a broader range of programmes and operational delivery in the future
  • Manage and maintain project templates to ensure they can be accessed and utilised when required
Strategic business planning
  • Manage the operating (annual) and strategic (three-year) planning process
  • Support strategic programme/project development programmes as they arise
  • Work with various departments to align business objectives over the short, medium and long-term
  • Work with departments and Executive team to identify core gaps in processes and support the implementation of solutions
  • Provide, where necessary, leadership and/or project planning support for key GS1 UK programmes
Reporting and delivery 
  • Work with the business to ensure the production of easy-to-consume, accurate, comprehensive and timely management information for leadership, Operating and Supervisory Board meetings
  • Provide personal insight, analysis and (where appropriate) recommendations to the Operating Board to inform decision making
  • Continually identify, recommend and implement improvements to the necessary processes and systems to increase the efficiency and quality of our decisions
  • Forward planning for the board meetings, training with management on standardised and accurate reporting on a continuous basis, and cross referencing of operating plans against reports to ensure accuracy
  • Act as secretary to the Operating Board (the monthly Executive committee that monitors operational and strategic delivery)
  • Support the development of a culture of delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement 
  • Support the production of the content for other governance committees as required e.g., Supervisory Board and Audit and Risk Committee
  • Carry out other duties as agreed with the Chief Financial Officer

Person specification:

Background and experience
  • Engagement at senior level for the provision of management information
  • Experience in project leadership and management
  • Excellent knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, systems and techniques
  • Experience of internal stakeholder engagement and management
  • Recognised project management qualification (PRINCE 2 or similar) (desirable)
Personal strengths and style 
  • Logical thinker who can move from a big picture to detail orientation where required, but also present detailed and complex information in a format that is easy to understand and digest
  • A critical thinker who is committed to a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency
  • Curious / Independent of mind / thought and willing to challenge when necessary
  • Organised, proactive, problem solver, self-starter with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
  • Has a practical approach and be willing to get ‘stuck in’ and ‘get stuff done’
  • Action oriented – can identify and work to clear priorities, manage time and resources effectively
  • High level of interpersonal and persuasive ability with excellent verbal and written skills 
  • Someone who can build positive and resilient relationships across the organisation, but who can also hold staff accountable for delivery
  • Someone who can communicate with staff at all levels of seniority and confidently
  • Acts with integrity at all times
  • Ability to adapt technical content (e.g. methodologies, processes, models etc.) to fit the culture and audience
  • Confident and trusted business advisor, able to influence, challenge and manage at all levels