Principal Program Manager - Hybrid, London OR Marlow. 

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About the job

The Office of the COO is seeking a Principal Program Manager to oversee and steer complex, high‑impact customer programs across the full customer lifecycle and delivery environment. This position acts as the central point of coordination for all stakeholders — including Executive Sponsors, Sales, Professional Services, Customer Success, R&D, Managed Cloud Services, Partners, and customer leadership — ensuring alignment, clarity, and successful execution of mission‑critical initiatives.

The Principal Program Manager will be responsible for achieving customer outcomes through the seamless integration, migration, and adoption of SAS Viya. Core responsibilities include governance, risk oversight, value realization, executive engagement, and delivery predictability, while ensuring all programs remain tightly connected to customer priorities and business goals.

Blending strategic direction with hands‑on execution, this role enhances organizational performance by orchestrating and governing multiple workstreams, guiding cross‑functional teams, and directly managing key projects when needed. Success in this role will strengthen executive relationships, accelerate strategic program delivery, reduce operational risk, increase customer adoption, improve business value realization, and expedite revenue recognition from contracted backlog.

As a Principal Project Manager, you will:

• Ensure program scope aligns with business objectives and recommend refinements to strategic plans.
• Plan, prioritize, and adjust schedules, scope, resources, and quality standards to meet program demands.
• Support contract negotiations and modifications; coordinate proposal development, business plans, work statements, specifications, budgets, and financial terms.
• Maintain program documentation, coordinate activities, and communicate effectively with teams and stakeholders.
• Deliver deadline‑driven, collaborative programs; facilitate program goals, business outcomes, and technical requirements; partner with teams to define scope and objectives.
• Meet financial targets, contribute to project and program budget planning, manage expenditures, identify trends, and provide ongoing financial reporting to stakeholders.
• Stay current through continuous learning, networking, and participation in professional associations.
• Availability to travel to the customer site. 
• Serve as the primary contact for all business and technical matters, interfacing across the organization to ensure program success.
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 
• Ensure all applicable security policies and processes are followed to support the organization's secure software development goals.
• Embrace curiosity, passion, authenticity and accountability. These are our values and influence everything we do.

 Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s/Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Accounting, or related field OR Military Veteran background in relevant field OR equivalent level of experience and qualifications. 
• Relevant experience  of program management experience, ideally within financial services, technology development, or technology adoption.
• Certifications: PMP or PgMP preferred. 
• Skills: Cross‑divisional resource management, analytical and problem‑solving abilities, stakeholder engagement, leadership, mentoring, and proficiency with project management tools.
• Strong leadership, consensus‑building, and conflict‑resolution capabilities. 
• Advanced financial, strategic, and tactical decision‑making skills. 
• Creative problem‑solving and ability to manage complex, multi‑layered initiatives. 
• Strong analytical, negotiation, facilitation, and presentation abilities. 
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to shifting deadlines. 
• Global business mindset and willingness to travel as required. 
• Equivalent combination of related education, training and experience may be considered in place of the above qualifications.

Additional competencies, knowledge and skills

• Strategic Thinking

• Leadership and Mentorship 

• Cross‑Functional Collaboration 

• Communication and Presentation

• Problem‑Solving and Decision‑Making

• Collaborate directly with internal and external Executives to design innovative, complex programs that support strategic goals.

• Lead large‑scale programs requiring cross‑departmental coordination

• Mentor and guide other Program Managers

• Present process improvements and recommendations for leadership approval.

• Lead cross‑functional teams and contribute to industry best practices in program management. 

Benefits highlights 

• Basic salary plus bonus. 
• Benefit package include a generous pension contribution, private medical insurance, life insurance and more.
• Our Recreation and Fitness Center offers recorded fitness classes to help you fit movement into your day.
• SAS supports your well-being with programs that reduce stress and distractions to help you stay healthy and productive.

You are welcome here.

At SAS, it’s not about fitting into our culture – it’s about adding to it. We believe our people make the difference. Our inclusive workforce brings together unique talents and inspires teams to create amazing software that reflects the diversity of our users and customers. 

Additional Information:

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