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Leadership & Management

Leading Large-Scale Programmes

Major programmes such as transformations, system implementations and infrastructure initiatives require leadership beyond project management. This course develops the skills of programme leaders: setting vision and outcomes, structuring the programme, leading multiple teams and suppliers, managing senior stakeholders, controlling risk and sustaining momentum over years.

5 days Classroom or live online English
Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants
Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF
Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Large programmes fail more often from leadership and governance gaps than technical issues. You will learn how experienced programme directors keep complex efforts on track.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

  • Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
  • Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
  • Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.
Course methodology

How you will learn.

Programme case studies, governance design workshops, stakeholder simulations and peer review of participants’ programmes.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define programme vision, outcomes and benefits
  • Structure programmes into manageable tranches
  • Lead multiple teams and suppliers
  • Govern programmes with senior stakeholders
  • Manage interdependencies and risks
  • Sustain momentum and morale over time
Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

  • Programme directors and managers
  • Senior project managers
  • Transformation leaders
  • PMO heads
  • Senior responsible owners
Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

  • Programme leadership
  • Governance
  • Stakeholder management
  • Risk management
  • Supplier leadership
Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Programme Leadership

  1. 09:00–10:08Programmes versus projects
  2. 10:08–11:00Role of the programme director
  3. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  4. 11:30–11:45Role of the programme director (continued)
  5. 11:45–12:53Vision and outcomes
  6. 12:53–14:00Exercise: programme blueprint

Day 2Structuring the Programme

  1. 09:00–10:08Tranches and workstreams
  2. 10:08–11:00Dependencies
  3. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  4. 11:30–11:45Dependencies (continued)
  5. 11:45–12:53Resourcing
  6. 12:53–14:00Workshop: programme structure

Day 3Governance

  1. 09:00–10:08Sponsors and boards
  2. 10:08–11:00Decision rights
  3. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  4. 11:30–11:45Decision rights (continued)
  5. 11:45–12:53Reporting
  6. 12:53–14:00Simulation: steering committee

Day 4Teams and Suppliers

  1. 09:00–10:08Leading leaders
  2. 10:08–11:00Supplier management
  3. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  4. 11:30–11:45Supplier management (continued)
  5. 11:45–12:53Integrated teams
  6. 12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Sustaining Delivery

  1. 09:00–10:08Risk and issue escalation
  2. 10:08–11:00Momentum and morale
  3. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  4. 11:30–11:45Momentum and morale (continued)
  5. 11:45–12:53Benefits tracking
  6. 12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Rome 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Paris 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Vienna 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£2,940.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 18 Jan - 22 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 18 Jan - 22 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Barcelona 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,840.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 1 Mar - 5 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Mar - 5 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Vienna 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,940.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 17 May - 21 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 17 May - 21 May 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Istanbul 28 Jun - 2 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 28 Jun - 2 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Rome 12 Jul - 16 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 12 Jul - 16 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 23 Aug - 27 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 23 Aug - 27 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
London 13 Sept - 17 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Sept - 17 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Dubai 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Cape Town 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Rome 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register
Barcelona 29 Nov - 3 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£2,840.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 29 Nov - 3 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
£1,250.-Register

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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