Program Manager

About the Role

Penta Consulting, a leading technology resource solutions provider to top-tier OEMs across the EMEA region, is seeking an accomplished and client-centric Program Manager to oversee the execution of large-scale Data Center projects and programmes. This pivotal leadership position demands a strategic vision to drive project success, uphold robust governance and controls, cultivate stakeholder relationships, and maintain transparency in programme performance. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in Data Center environments, complemented by exceptional programme management expertise, risk mitigation capabilities, and superior client-facing communication skills. Responsibilities include ensuring project health, addressing delivery gaps, managing programme controls, and delivering clear, executive-level progress reports to stakeholders and customers.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Project Leadership

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex Data Center programmes, from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Provide high-level oversight across multiple projects and workstreams, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Establish and maintain robust programme governance, controls, processes, and reporting frameworks to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Bridge the gap between project objectives, customer expectations, and overarching business goals to drive cohesive outcomes.
• Hold multi-disciplinary teams, contractors, and suppliers accountable for delivering results in line with programme standards.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Design, implement, and govern programme reporting structures, dashboards, and performance metrics to track progress.
• Monitor programme performance against key parameters, including schedule, budget, scope, quality, and risk, identifying deviations early.
• Conduct thorough data analysis to uncover trends, project gaps, and dependencies, proactively developing mitigation strategies.
• Deliver precise budget, resource, milestone, and timeline forecasts, ensuring alignment with financial and operational targets.
• Track programme KPIs and provide executive-level reporting that highlights achievements, challenges, and corrective actions.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between the programme delivery team and senior client stakeholders, including executive sponsors.
• Facilitate programme reviews, steering committee meetings, and governance forums to ensure transparent communication.
• Present project progress, milestones, challenges, and recovery plans in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Manage customer expectations while maintaining transparency regarding delivery performance and potential risks.

Risk & Issue Management

• Develop and enforce robust risk and issue management processes to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions.
• Conduct regular project health assessments to evaluate delivery readiness and identify areas requiring intervention.
• Drive corrective actions and recovery plans to address gaps, ensuring timely resolution of critical issues.
• Escalate high-priority issues to senior leadership and stakeholders, facilitating swift decision-making and resolution.

Resource & Team Leadership

• Coordinate cross-functional delivery teams, including engineering, construction, operations, commissioning, and support functions, to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Support project managers and technical leads in upholding consistent delivery standards and best practices.
• Cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop project management talent to strengthen the team’s capabilities and drive long-term success.

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Oversee programme budgets, forecasts, and financial performance to ensure adherence to approved parameters.
• Manage contracts, variations, and change requests with precision, ensuring alignment with commercial and operational objectives.
• Provide strategic support in commercial negotiations and customer discussions to safeguard programme profitability and client satisfaction.
• Deliver programmes within approved financial constraints while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 10 years of programme management experience, with a strong focus on Data Center environments. Demonstrated expertise in programme governance, risk management, and executive-level communication is essential. Candidates should possess a blend of technical credibility, commercial acumen, and leadership skills to drive large-scale projects to successful completion. A proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams, contractors, and suppliers is critical, along with a track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.