Programme Manager

Hays are delighted to be partnering with the Office for Product Safety Standards (OPSS) to recruit a Programme Manager to join their dynamic Online Strategy Team. The successful candidate will work as part of the cutting-edge Online and Supply Chain Enforcement (OSCE) directorate and this role would be perfect for someone with a strong background in programme management and a passion for consumer safety and regulatory standards.

The opportunity

This is a high-level ministerial priority across OPSS, and the Programme Manager’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the diverse and rapidly evolving field of online marketplaces in the UK remains compliant and safe, now and in the future.

In this role, you will set and oversee governance arrangements, establish and measure robust deliverables, and collaborate closely with the Online Strategy team and OPSS leadership to shape and implement the strategic regulatory approach to online marketplaces and e-commerce.

This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a high-profile regulatory programme that is transforming the UK’s online shopping landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and ensure cohesion across projects, track delivery of outputs and benefits, develop a comprehensive programme plan, manage dependencies, and proactively identify and resolve risks and issues.
• Develop and support a robust governance framework that provides assurance, which includes support to the Online Strategy Board, Online Strategy Operational Board, and work-stream groups.
• Drive the initiation, support, and coordination of projects within allocated budgets, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
• Provide versatile support across the Programme, including project management, close monitoring, and support of work-stream projects.
• Inspire and manage allocated staff, including interns and placement students, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Prepare and present high-quality analysis and reports to support strategic decision-making at leadership levels.
• Collaborate with the monitoring and evaluation team to integrate analysis into the programme and ensure the provision of required data.
• Ensure key information, updates, and guidance related to the Programme are developed and shared in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Act as a role model for collaboration and continuous improvement, supporting the Online Strategy Lead in ensuring the Programme informs the strategy and vice versa.
• Work closely with key and senior stakeholders across OPSS, the government, and externally to ensure the programme’s success and alignment with broader regulatory goals.
• Leading by example and inspiring others to achieve their best.

What you'll get in return

Alongside your salary of £59,450 you will also be entitled to the below benefits:

• Build a secure future with a Civil Service Pension scheme boasting an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Enjoy a healthy vacation balance with 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years. Plus, 8 public holidays and a privilege day for additional time off.
• Career development - Invest in yourself with 5 paid days dedicated to your learning and development to support your continued professional development.
• Craft your workday with flexible working arrangements and flexi-time options (subject to role requirements).
• The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.

Selection process

A CV outlining your career history, including key responsibilities and achievements.

A Personal Statement of up to 750 words explaining how you consider your skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria below:

Essential criteria

• Possession of a professional qualification in Project/Programme Management at RCA level 6 or its equivalent.
• Solid understanding of Programme and Project Management methodologies, including governance.
• Excellent communication skills: both written and verbal, with the ability to summarise and articulate clearly with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, diligent attention to detail, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to challenge assumptions and ensure decisions are strategy driven.
• A team player with the ability to collaborate and to problem-solve independently.
• Ability to drive delivery at pace, manage priorities, and maintain momentum.
• Ability to adapt confidently to changing circumstances and directions.
• Capability to engage in constructive discussions at all levels.

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift may be conducted based on the lead criteria: Personal Statement.

Interview

At the interview stage, you will be assessed against specific behaviours and Strengths.

The Behaviours we will assess include:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Seeing the Bigger Picture
• Delivering at pace

You will be required to provide a short presentation during the interview; details for this will be provided to candidates selected for the interview.

Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. However, in-person interviews may be considered by exception.

Hays have been retained by OPSS to manage the recruitment of this role. This recruitment is run in accordance with the civil service recruitment principles.

Further details relating to eligibility, terms & conditions and civil service recruitment principles are available on the linked application portal.