IT Programme Manager

Our client is looking for a senior freelance IT Programme Manager in the Netherlands to lead a large, complex IT programme through to delivery. The programme covers 12 IT tracks across three entities and puts a strong emphasis on corporate governance, so the role calls for someone who can bring structure, control and clear direction to a demanding environment. The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the programme, making sure the separate tracks stay aligned, dependencies are managed and decisions are made at the right level.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across all three entities, setting up and running programme governance, reporting on progress and risk, and keeping delivery on track against the agreed timeline. This is a hybrid freelance role with a minimum of two days per week in the office and a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, running until programme delivery, expected in March/April. It suits an experienced programme leader with a background in large international organisations and regulated business, who is used to handling complex, high-visibility programmes at senior management level.

Main responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end delivery of a large IT programme made up of 12 IT tracks across three entities; Set up, run and maintain a strong programme governance structure, including steering committees and decision-making forums; Keep the tracks aligned, managing interdependencies, priorities and resourcing across the programme; Act as the main point of contact for senior stakeholders and executive sponsors across all entities; Oversee programme planning, milestones, budgets and delivery timelines through to go-live in March/April; Identify, monitor and mitigate programme risks and issues, escalating where needed; Make sure programme activities meet corporate governance, compliance and regulatory expectations; Provide clear, regular progress reporting to senior management and governance boards; Direct and support track leads and project managers across the programme; Manage the change and transition activities needed for a successful handover.

Requirements: Around 20 years of experience at senior management level; Background in a large international organisation, such as a financial institution or a large IT company; Experience working in a regulated business environment; Proven track record of leading heavy, complex IT programmes with multiple workstreams; Strong grasp of corporate governance and programme governance frameworks; Experience managing senior stakeholders across multiple entities or business units; Able to bring structure and control to large, multi-track programmes; Clear, confident communicator at board and executive level; Available to work 40 hours per week, with a minimum of two days per week in the office in the Netherlands.

The offer: Freelance contract running until programme delivery, expected March/April; 40 hours per week on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days in the office; Senior leadership role on a large, high-profile IT programme spanning three entities. This freelance IT Programme Manager role gives an experienced senior leader full ownership of a large, governance-led programme across 12 IT tracks and three entities in the Netherlands. If you have a background in large international and regulated organisations and have delivered complex programmes at this level, apply below.