Programme Manager - Chief AI Office Capability at HMRC, UK, £Contract Rate

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us. We offer a great work life balance. You have the opportunity to work at any of our brand-new Regional Centres and to also work remotely. Contracts vary in length dependent upon the project with the possibility to extend.

Your time spent with us short or long term will be invaluable - your skills and expertise are needed to deliver the largest digital and transformation projects in Government. There really couldn’t be a better time to join HMRC for your new contract opportunity!

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to support the mobilisation and establishment of a new Chief AI Office (CAIO) capability.

This is a pivotal role focused on building the foundations required for long-term success. Working closely with senior leaders, you will establish core programme governance, create the operating structures needed to manage demand and delivery, and develop the strategic roadmap that will guide the organisation's AI ambitions over the coming years.

The successful candidate will be highly delivery-focused, comfortable operating in ambiguous environments, and capable of turning strategic intent into practical plans and tangible outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and implement PMO, governance and front-door processes to support the effective operation of the CAIO function.
• Develop and maintain a high-level milestone and mobilisation plan, aligned to short, medium and long-term objectives.
• Drive delivery of key actions within the initial 90-day mobilisation period.
• Support recruitment activity, onboarding preparation and wider office establishment activities.
• Produce high-quality briefings, papers, presentations and management information for senior stakeholders.
• Work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to coordinate programme activity and maintain delivery momentum whilst permanent capability is established.
• Create and maintain an enterprise-level milestone roadmap, identifying the critical milestones, dependencies and activities required to achieve AI-enabled organisational capability over the next 35 years.
• Define and monitor the key deliverables required to successfully scale priority AI use cases and support their delivery.
• Establish effective governance, reporting and decision-making mechanisms across the programme.
• Identify and manage risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies to ensure successful mobilisation and delivery.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading large-scale programme mobilisation, transformation or organisational setup activities.
• Experience establishing PMO, governance and delivery frameworks within complex organisations.
• Strong programme planning experience, including development of strategic roadmaps, milestone plans and mobilisation plans.
• Experience producing briefing papers, governance materials and executive-level reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work effectively with senior leaders.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Experience driving delivery in fast-paced and evolving environments where structures and processes are still being established.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, risk management and delivery controls.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous Government, Public Sector or Arm's Length Body experience.
• Experience supporting AI, digital, data or technology transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of Agile, MSP, PRINCE2 or equivalent programme delivery methodologies.
• Experience creating operating models, mobilisation plans or capability roadmaps.
• Experience establishing new teams, functions or centres of excellence.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and getting things done. You will be equally capable of shaping strategic plans and executing the practical activities needed to build a new function from the ground up.

You'll bring a strong delivery mindset, excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to create clarity, structure and momentum in a rapidly evolving environment.