Programme Manager, Data Modernisation

About Us The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups. The Role We're looking for a Principal Programme Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex, strategic programmes that support the FT's data modernisation ambitions and wider technology transformation. As part of the Delivery Management function within the Portfolio discipline, you'll combine hands-on programme leadership with a commitment to developing delivery excellence across Product & Technology. You'll lead large, complex programmes from concept through implementation, working with cross-functional teams, senior stakeholders and third-party partners to deliver meaningful business outcomes. Alongside programme delivery, you'll help strengthen our project and programme management capability by mentoring Delivery Managers, promoting best practice and contributing to the continuous improvement of our delivery framework. Key Responsibilities Lead complex, multi-year technology and business transformation programmes from initiation through delivery and implementation. Develop and maintain effective programme governance, ensuring risks, dependencies, timelines and decisions are proactively managed. Build strong relationships with Product, Technology, Data and business stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes. Work closely with third-party suppliers and partners, ensuring delivery commitments and programme objectives remain aligned. Tailor Agile, Lean, traditional or hybrid delivery approaches to suit programme and team needs. Drive programme excellence by identifying opportunities to improve delivery frameworks, governance and portfolio practices. Provide coaching, mentoring and practical support to Delivery Managers, helping build capability across the Portfolio discipline. Present programme updates, risks and recommendations clearly to senior leadership and executive stakeholders. Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that encourages continuous improvement and cross-functional partnership. Required Skills and Experience Significant experience leading large-scale, complex transformation programmes within technology or digital environments. Proven track record delivering enterprise-wide programmes involving multiple workstreams, third-party suppliers and cross-functional teams. Excellent programme planning, governance, dependency management and risk management skills. Strong commercial awareness with experience managing large programme budgets and delivering measurable business value. Outstanding stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging senior executives and Board-level stakeholders. Experience adapting Agile, Lean, traditional and hybrid delivery methodologies to suit different delivery environments. Strong vendor and supplier management experience, with the ability to build collaborative partnerships. Excellent communication, influencing and leadership skills, with a passion for coaching and developing others. Desirable Experience leading data modernisation, enterprise technology or digital transformation programmes. Experience developing programme management frameworks or centres of excellence. Familiarity with modern product delivery practices and portfolio management environments. Experience within media, publishing, subscription or technology-led organisations. What's in it for You? Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here . We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible. Accessibility We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, please email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help. Further Information At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact [email protected] . Interested in the FT but don’t see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT.