Programme management involves the alignment; coordination and execution of a portfolio of construction projects to achieve certain benefits that are not always possible if the projects are managed individually. Programmes have always been complex in nature, with the potential for intense cross-project integration, conflicting stakeholders and socio-econo-political pressures. Any problems from one project automatically affect others in the programme.

With this high level of synergy and integration, programmes require highly skilled and competent managers to ensure that they are operated and delivered successfully. The complexity of programmes, and their roots in project management, brings about pressure for the managers to think and rethink, search and research, and view and review, for skills and competencies that can put them at the top of their demanding jobs.

The findings in this research were achieved through a triangulation of literature review, industrial questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews conducted with programme management experts. The paper offers a critical review and an analysis of the skills and competencies required by programme managers to effectively discharge their responsibilities. The number of skills and competencies was reduced and categorised using factor analysis for the ease of administration and training by managers and educators.