Programme & Strategy Manager

We're looking for a Programme & Strategy Manager to join our Boots Opticians team. This role will be based at our Nottingham Support Office, 5 days per week. This is an exciting role as you will be providing portfolio management for the strategic priorities of the business allowing you to help shape the heart of Opticians for the upcoming years! As the Programme & Strategy Manager, you'll work closely with the Opticians Leadership & Senior teams, project managers & stakeholders in multiple functions to maximize the value of the portfolio and ensure the successful execution of projects. You'll be responsible for creating & implementing portfolio management of projects that collectively form the priorities of the Boots Opticians business to identify (& resolve) interdepencies across projects, ensure business wide resources are optimised, minimise "throw-away" cost & ensure activities are sequenced. You'll also provide leadership of project manager(s) in delivery of projects within the Customer & Commercial function from creation to delivery ensuring implementation to plan & delivery of forecasted benefits.

• Portfolio strategy & alignment - Develop and implement a project portfolio management framework (including procedures, measurement & governance) across Opticians projects that identifies interdepencies and facilitates effective decision-making.
• Performance monitoring & reporting - Track the performance of the project portfolio, using key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress against plans. Provide regular reporting to Opticians leadership team on portfolio performance, including risk assessments and recommendations for improvements.
• Risk management - Identify and manage risks at the portfolio level, ensuring that potential impacts are avoided. Develop and implement risk management strategies that address overall portfolio risks.
• Stakeholder engagement - Build effective relationships with Opticians senior leadership, project managers, IT teams and functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for portfolio decisions & outputs. Communicate portfolio status, changes, and impacts effectively to all relevant stakeholders.
• Continuous improvement - Drive continuous improvement in portfolio management practices. Analyze portfolio performance, identify lessons learned, and implement changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Tool & system management - Manage and maintain portfolio management tools and systems. Ensure that data is accurate, up-to-date and accessible for decision-making purposes.
  
  Strong experience in project and portfolio management, with a proven track record of managing complex portfolios that align with organizational strategy.
• Knowledge of best practice project & programme methodologies ideally with relevant qualifications (e.g., Prince2, MSP)
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Advanced proficiency in portfolio management tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Monday.com).
• Able to positively set high standards for team members, motivate & develop others and achieve results through direct reports.
• Able to influence stakeholders at all levels of the business.
• Strong risk management and problem solving capabilities.
• Decisive and confident in making complex decisions.
  
  Discretionary annual bonus
• Generous employee discounts
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
• Flexible benefits scheme including holiday buying, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and more.
• Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
We have a great range of benefits in addition to the above that offer flexibility to suit you - find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Please note, any salary estimates given on third-party sites are not provided or endorsed by Boots and may not be accurate.Why Boots Opticians At Boots Opticians, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. Join our team and let's see what's possible when we change for the better.