Programme Manager (Emerging Technology)

Location: Wilmslow, Cheshire with remote working options for part of the working week

Provide overall leadership on the management and delivery of projects across the Department.

Technology is driving fundamental changes to our society, driven by the critical role personal data is playing in our digital lives. What role could you play in influencing the way we support innovation and technological change while also protecting privacy and information rights?

About us

As an independent body serving the public, the work of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is interesting and immensely rewarding. We uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. In the last year we have been involved with prominent issues ranging from addressing the use of intrusive technology in our personal lives, to the privacy implications of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our work has never been so important or high profile. The ICO’s technology group deals with some of the most complex privacy, data rights, data protection and emerging technology issues that society faces. The aim of the group is to make sure the ICO can assess and respond to these developments, and most importantly, to shape the future privacy, data and technology landscape.

We have vacancies for several positions across the directorate– roles that will help us shape how emerging technologies and information practices impact the lives of the UK public. For more information, please look at our recruitment website: hays.co.uk/jobs/ico

About the role

The Programme Manager will provide overall leadership on the management and delivery of projects and commitments across the Department. You will also lead a team of technical specialists and project support staff and will work across the group to ensure a matrix approach to delivery and that the resourcing of activity works effectively. Your accountabilities will also include managing group activity in line with agreed objectives and key results, and performance reporting into the wider ICO governance processes to help drive performance improvements. You will play the pivotal role in ensuring direction is provided across all our priority projects, and activity is effectively managed, delivered and reported on.

About you

You must be passionate about delivery, motivating your team to work effectively in a matrix management structure, with clear objectives and deliverables, and ensuring that we realise the impact and value from our efforts. Your role will be critical in ensuring a diverse set of projects exploring the challenges and opportunities in the emerging technology and privacy domain are translated into effective action.

It is expected that you will possess the following skills/experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience of managing and delivering programmes / projects in the public or private sector.
• Significant experience of managing a programme or portfolio of activity and delivering projects under challenging constraints including limited resources.
• Significant experience of managing in a matrix management model, establishing governance and reporting processes, and considering the allocation of constrained resources, including managing technical, project managers and analysts.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, demonstrating the ability to establish trusted relationships, and the ability to negotiate, influence and persuade stakeholders.

How to Apply

To learn more about us and find out how to apply, please view our dedicated microsite: hays.co.uk/jobs/ico

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applicants from all members of the community.