Job Description for Cyber Programme Manager

Business Area	Information Security
Job Title	Cyber Programme Manager
Scope and Coverage	Group
Outline Purpose of Role	The Cyber Programme Manager will: Implement methods and processes to manage the cyber programme effectively as per programme management best practices. Develop strong tracking, metrics and reporting for the different governance forums and channels on cyber programme delivery. Help drive a robust security posture for a large, complex organisation, trading globally within a constantly evolving information security threat environment.
Impact of Role	Ensure effectively delivery of the cyber programme objectives and cyber strategy. Help drive good security hygiene and the use of appropriate controls into the business culture of JD Sports.
Reports to	This role resides in the Information Security Function and reports to the Group Head of Security Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Direct Reports	Individual contributor with possible management of a Business Analyst and periodic oversight of seconded resources, contingent workers and systems integrators.

Key Elements of the Role

The job holder will manage the overall approach of the cyber programme including providing Programme Management Office (PMO), managing escalations, establishing best practices, policies, procedures, and processes that align with the programme and business objectives. You will collaborate with multiple functional leads and third party partners to ensure projects are delivered efficiently on time, and within budget. You will work closely with GRC team to ensure priorities and outcomes are aligned with cyber risk reduction.

 

In this role, the job holder will be responsible for the following activities:

 

Key Responsibilities

 

• Work closely with business stakeholders, project managers, business analysts, operational teams, technology teams and suppliers to help the business implement our Cyber strategy.

 

• • Ensure outcomes, objectives and scope are clearly understood, defined, documented and aligned to the overall Cyber and JD strategy

                         

• • Manage the Cyber Transformation Programme, including the projects that sit within it to agreed time / cost / deliverable targets

 

• • Work with the business to create project proposals, project initiation documents, business cases, enhancement and change requests

 

• • Understand and manage the dependencies within your programme(s) and between programmes within the wider programme, liaising with other programme and project managers as appropriate to ensure successful and timely delivery of the portfolio.

 

• • Track all major programme components, including costs, schedules, resources, and deliverables. Commercially manage your programme(s) ensuring costs and benefits are fully understood, tracked and reported against monthly.

 

• • Accurately forecast costs and operate within established budgets.

 

• Identify programme, workstream and project deliverables, ensuring they meet programme expectations for time, cost, and performance.

 

• Establish and administer workstream and project level plans.

 

• • Develop appropriate change and communication strategies for each programme, ensure business readiness, manage key stakeholders and their expectations

 

• Implement programme/project management standards and best practices based on measurable success criteria including establishing uniform workstream and project processes and quality standards.

 

• • Produce clear written communication, such as papers, powerpoint decks as per JD governance requirements. Ensuring clear communication with different audience in forums such as boards, weekly status reporting, monthly steer committee and Global Exec Committee reporting. Where relevant and appropriate chair the meetings.

 

 

Key Attributes of The Jobholder

 

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, MSP) are highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in IT/Security programme and project management.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale complex technology programmes with multiple projects and diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of programme and project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Experience in establishing and managing a PMO, including policy and process development.
• Experience working with omnichannel teams such as retail, digital, IT, operations, merchandising, marketing, finance, information security, loss control, analytics, customer care.
• Demonstrable ability to manage budgets and achieve financial objectives.
• Proficient in risk management, issue resolution, and change management processes.
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST), controls and methodologies.
• Awareness of Agile environments and practices.
• Familiarity with advanced cybersecurity technologies such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, and their deployments.

 

 

Key Skills

The job holder is expected to possess the following skill set:

Leadership Skills:

• Ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Strong strategic planning and organisational capabilities.
• Ability to make decisions with ambiguous data.
• Strong facilitation and influencing skills.

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficient with project management tools and software (e.g. Microsoft Project).
• Comprehensive understanding of IT governance and cyber security.

Analytical Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to measure and report on project and programme performance effectively.

Communication Skills:

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Team player able to work constructively with other project managers, business analysts, operational teams, technology teams, suppliers, business stakeholders and senior management

Adaptability:

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Aptitude for continuous improvement and adapting to changing business needs.
• Self-starter able to work with limited guidance.

 

 

 

Values and Behaviours

The job holder will be a strategic thinker who is respectful and collaborative and able to work easily within a diverse and dispersed team of professionals and will exhibit:

• Goal-oriented focus,
• Strong schedule keeping,
• Openness,
• Integrity,
• Empathy,
• Accountability.
• Enthusiasm,
• Flexibility,
• Creativity.