Principal, ICT Programme Management

Please note: this role is a 24 month Fixed Term Contract and the advert will close at 00:01 on Tuesday 2 June, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Monday 1 June.

About Ofcom:

As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other.

Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.

About the team you will be a part of:

The Digital Transformation Programme Delivery function is part of Digital, Data and AI team within Corporate Group. The Programme Delivery Team is made up of Programme Leads, Project Managers and Business Analysts, supported by Architects. 

All these functions work together to support every area of Ofcom in delivering change, be it a new tool, process improvement or evolving our offerings both internally and externally.

Our Programme Leads work with key stakeholders around the Business to identify new projects as part of each team's strategy, to give us a head start ensuring that these are funded, appropriately resourced and follow ICT and Ofcom Policies. Project Managers deliver projects by working collaboratively across the business, keeping the projects running smoothly (or as smooth as possible!), and working with the PMO to follow the Delivery Framework.

Business Analysts support the project process, understand the business needs and the business processes and work with the technical team to find solutions.

Why do we do this?

By working with all areas of Ofcom, we ensure that any projects delivered support the ICT Strategy to keep Ofcom Secure and keep all our tools fit for purpose, identifying cost sayings where possible. Our ICT Strategy and Project Delivery Framework also support the overall delivery of Ofcom's Plan of work and 3 Year Plan.

It will also help you to make sure that the right solution is being identified, supporting Ofcom's Corporate Agility Project and allowing 80% to be ‘good enough’, practicing Looks Good to Me (LGTM)!

The purpose and scope of the role

Ofcom is seeking a Project Manager to support the procurement of refreshed IT Support Services. This role will provide technical, and operational expertise to complement Ofcom’s internal leadership of the programme. The Project Manager will work with a consultancy to conduct a detailed review of the current IT support arrangements, develop and assess future service model options, and lead the design and delivery of an evidence-based procurement exercise (working closely with internal procurement experts).

The successful Project Manager will coordinate the end-to-end programme of work, manage dependencies, risks and governance, assure deliverables, and ensure a robust, compliant procurement process aligned to UK public sector requirements.

Your key responsibilities:

Strategic Review & Options Development

• Lead and coordinate a comprehensive review of Ofcom’s current IT support strategy, operating model, and service outcomes.

• Support the development and assessment of future service delivery models (in-house, outsourced, managed service or hybrid).

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement, workshops, and requirements gathering.

• Produce clear, evidence-based recommendations and decision papers.

Procurement Design & Delivery

• Lead the planning, governance, and day-to-day delivery of the IT Support Services procurement project.

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with UK public sector requirements (including the Procurement Act 2023), working closely with the Commercial lead.

• Manage and provide oversight of the appointed consultancy delivering the review and scoping work.

• Oversee development of key procurement artefacts, including: Service specifications, Evaluation methodologies, ITT documentation, Commercial and contractual schedules

• Ensure all governance documentation (approvals, audit trail, decision logs) is complete, accurate, and compliant.

Project Management & Delivery Assurance

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, RAID logs, reporting packs, and stakeholder communication plans.

• Manage risks, issues, and dependencies, including interdependencies with wider technology and commercial initiatives.

• Provide clear, regular reporting to senior stakeholders on progress, risks, and decisions.

• Ensure timely delivery of milestones and high-quality outputs from the consultancy and wider project team.

The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success:

Executing Plans

• Proven ability to plan, deliver and close complex projects end-to-end within scope, time and budget.

• Proficient in methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2, MSP) and managing multiple workstreams in fast-paced environments.

• Able to operate proactively and independently within complex, client-led governance structures.

Governance, Compliance & Commercial Awareness

• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, controls and public sector procurement.

• Knowledge of PCR 2015 and Procurement Act 2023; experience managing budgets and financial forecasts.

Channelling Influence

• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.

• Builds strong stakeholder relationships and presents complex updates, risks and recommendations clearly and confidently.

Embracing Change

• Experience managing risks, issues and change, with proactive mitigation and escalation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret data, identify trends and support decision-making.

Forming Relationships

• Proven ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams, facilitate workshops and resolve conflict.

• Collaborative, accountable and outcomes-focused approach.

Technical & Digital Skills

• Proficient in project tools (MS Project, Planner, Azure DevOps, Jira, Trello) and Microsoft 365.

• Able to produce clear dashboards, reports and presentations from complex data.

• Experience across IT services, including service management and solution or technical architecture.

Inclusivity Statement

Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. You can read more about our Rewards, Benefits and Well-being on our careers page.

Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need adjustments, information in an alternative format, or prefer to apply in a different way, please contact us at (phone number removed).

As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles.