In order to meet the business needs of a customer it may be necessary to operate a number of separate projects under one umbrella. As such these projects are organised into a single Program and this requires high level management to ensure that the complex assignment is delivered timely and effectively.

The Program Manager therefore is the key stakeholder who acts on behalf of the various project sponsors to ensure that each independent project is managed correctly thereby accomplishing the objectives set out within the wider program.

The Program Manager is responsible for guaranteeing that collectively, projects lead to an improvement of the business performance and ensuring that the project sponsors are kept abreast of the status of all projects in the program. Management of the following key areas is required:

• Governance.

Manage the structure, process, and procedures to control projects operations and any changes to the performance objectives.

• Standards.

Oversee the performance architecture and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

• Alignment.

To ensure the program supports the higher level business strategies, goals and objectives.

• Assurance.

Ensure adherence to standards and alignment with the business strategy and goals. Verify and validate that the program is running correctly.

• Management.

Ensure that the correct projects managers, sponsors and suppliers are in place and that there are regular reviews on the progress of the projects.

• Integration.

Technically ensure all projects integrate correctly.

• Finances.

Track basic costs together with wider costs of administering the program.

• Planning.

Develop and manage the program plan by collating information on projects, resources, timescales, monitoring and control.

• Improvement:

Continuously assess performance, research and develop new capabilities and systemically apply learning and knowledge to the program.