Programme Project Governance Lead

Sword Group

Governance Framework Lead at Sword designing and implementing governance structures for complex programmes in Energy, Public and Finance sectors. Driving business technology solutions and transformation change.

Posted 5/18/2026contractAberdeen • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Governance Framework Design & Implementation
Design and implement end-to-end governance frameworks tailored to programme scale and complexity, including:
Unified Portfolio & Delivery Frameworks
Stage Gate Models (lifecycle governance)
Hybrid delivery frameworks (Waterfall / Agile integration)
Define governance structures, including:
Decision forums (SteerCo, Design Authority, Programme Boards)
Roles, accountabilities, and escalation pathways
Ensure frameworks are:
Scalable
Repeatable
Aligned to industry best practices (e.g. MSP, ISO 21502)
Governance Integration with Operating & Decision Models
Ensure governance is fully aligned to the organisation’s:
Business operating model
Decision-making hierarchy and authority structures
Define clear decision rights, thresholds, and approval mechanisms
Enable effective flow of information from delivery teams to executive stakeholders
Align governance with:
Financial controls
Commercial structures
Risk and compliance frameworks
Business Process Modelling & Optimisation
Develop process models (BPMN or equivalent) to define and communicate governance workflows, including:
Stage gate processes
Change control lifecycle
Risk and issue escalation
Identify inefficiencies and drive process simplification and optimisation
Ensure governance processes are:
Clearly documented
Understood by stakeholders
Consistently applied across the programme
Proportionate Governance Design
Design governance that is fit-for-purpose and proportionate to:
Programme size and complexity
Risk profile
Delivery maturity
Avoid excessive bureaucracy by:
Streamlining approval processes
Reducing duplication of reporting
Focusing on decision-enabling artefacts
Tailor governance approaches for:
Agile vs Waterfall workstreams
Early discovery vs delivery phases
Governance Operation & Continuous Improvement
Establish and run governance cadence and reporting cycles
Provide oversight and quality assurance of:
Governance artefacts
Decision packs
Programme reporting
Monitor effectiveness of governance and implement continuous improvements
Introduce and maintain:
Standard templates
Governance playbooks
Ways of Working guidance
Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement
Engage senior stakeholders to ensure buy-in and adherence to governance
Act as a trusted advisor to Programme Director and leadership teams
Facilitate governance forums and decision-making sessions
Provide guidance and coaching to:
Project Managers
PMO teams
Business stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

**Essential:**
Proven experience designing and implementing governance frameworks for complex programmes
Deep understanding of:
Portfolio, Programme, and Project governance models
Stage gate methodologies
Hybrid delivery approaches
Strong business process modelling capability (e.g. BPMN)
Experience integrating governance into:
Business operating models
Decision-making structures
Demonstrated ability to design lean, proportionate governance
Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills at senior / executive level
**Desirable:**
Experience in:
Energy, Infrastructure, Utilities, or large transformation programmes within highly regulated environments
Knowledge of:
ISO standards (e.g. ISO 21502, ISO 9001)
Familiarity with governance, planning, and reporting tools
Behavioural Competencies:
Structured and systems-thinking mindset
Ability to simplify complex concepts into clear governance models
Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement capability
Pragmatic, outcome-focused approach
Ability to balance control with agility
High level of credibility and professional integrity

Benefits

Comp & perks

This role is offered on an initial contract basis and can be based on an Outside IR35 Limited Company or PAYE engagement. There is also potential that the role may develop into a staff role on a longer term basis.
At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.
We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life.
In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:
Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.
At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

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Hard Skills & Tools

governance framework designportfolio governanceprogramme governanceproject governancestage gate methodologieshybrid delivery approachesbusiness process modellingBPMNrisk and compliance frameworksprocess optimisation

Soft Skills

stakeholder managementfacilitationinfluencingsystems-thinkingsimplification of complex conceptsoutcome-focused approachcredibilityprofessional integritycoachingtrusted advisor

Certifications

ISO 21502ISO 9001