* Lengthy contract facilitating transformational change
* Hybrid flexible working (2 days a week onsite)
About Our Client
The client is a Higher Education organisation based in Manchester.
Job Description
Key responsibilities include:
* Driving the alignment of projects with the client's strategic vision and plan, by assessing the strategic drivers and identifying benefits which contribute to the client's goals and objectives.
* Developing and maintaining a high level of knowledge of the latest developments within the Higher Education sector, and best practice in programme, project and change management to provide advice and guidance.
* Sharing best practice in coaching and supporting other colleagues across the business.
* Deputise for the Head of Project Delivery as required.
* Scope and deliver business change projects and programmes. Take responsibility for the definition, documentation and successful completion of complex projects, programmes and/or portfolios; leading, directing, and coaching project team members, and advising stakeholders as necessary on all phases.
* Define and implement governance structures for the programme.
* Develop, monitor and control the programme/portfolio plan. Track team progress to the plan and report progress against baselined milestones.
* Ensure risks and issues are identified and monitored.
* Manage dependencies within the programme and with other initiatives.
* Manage overall budget for the initiative, including planning, reporting and forecasting, with support from the relevant Finance Manager.
* Develop resource plans and secure resources to deliver the programme, assessing the best use of internal and external resources. Monitor resource allocation and availability and resolve capacity issues.
* Ensure that a change control procedure is in place and actively used to assess the effect of changes to the projects on costs, timescale and/or resource needs.
* Develop the benefits map and realisation plan for the initiative, working with business change colleagues as appropriate. Ensure that benefits are tracked.
* Lead on reporting for all aspects of the initiative to key programme stakeholders, including sponsors, PMO (Portfolio Management Office) and governance committees. Support the programme or portfolio Executive Sponsor and business lead in drafting reports for and attending relevant governance meetings.
* Lead on the preparation for programme/project stage gates, including business case development and presentation to assurance and governance groups.
* Make recommendations based on lessons learned.
* Act as a lead advisor to internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of programme and project management and Strategic Change.
* Manage programme partnership arrangements with key functions through effective stakeholder management and collaborative working.
* Develop the business change approach for the programme, in collaboration with business change colleagues.
* Coordinate the commissioning, handover and adoption of the initiative's outputs, working with business change managers.
* Provide line management to Project and Programme team members.
* Lead succession planning, capacity planning and recruitment related to the programme and to take part in those activities where required across the Dept.
* Encourage and promote a culture of inclusivity and support through positive role-modelling, team building and leadership.
* Be responsible for the implementation of mandatory policies and processes for their team such as Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity and Data Protection.
The Successful Applicant
Essential knowledge, skills and experience:
* Significant experience of successfully managing major strategic change projects and/or programmes, including:
• Delivery across the project life-cycle from shaping to completion;
• Managing projects/programmes through governance in large and/or complex organisations;
• Applying good practice project and programme methodologies relevant to the size and nature of the project/programme;
• Identification and tracking of project/programme benefits, ensuring clear alignment with strategy;
• Working with stakeholders to set up governance structures and key project roles.
* Experience of identifying, documenting, analysing and managing project risks, issues and dependencies across multiple projects.
* Experience of developing and managing project budgets and resource plans to support delivery.
* Experience of appointment and management of external consultants and/or third-party suppliers.
* The ability to work confidently and assertively with a range of executive and non-executive senior stakeholders, using coaching, negotiating, communication and influencing skills to achieve successful outcomes.
* Experience and expertise in leading, managing and developing large project teams, achieving results through other people both as a line manager and without formal line management authority.
* Experience of applying policies and procedures relating to Equality and Diversity, Information Governance and Data Protection.
* Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to executive stakeholders and write compelling documents for decision-making.
* Expertise in problem-solving and the development of recommendations for decision-makers, engaging with relevant stakeholders and using judgement when information is incomplete.
* Confident in leading and facilitating workshops and events with senior internal and external stakeholders to achieve results and support decision-making.
Desirable knowledge, skills and experience:
* A recognised project or programme management qualification (e.g. PRINCE 2, APM Project Management Qualification, Managing Successful Programmes).
* Expertise in Change Management methodologies and experience of applying these to projects and programmes.
* Knowledge and experience of the Higher Education sector.
* Experience of a relevant type of change project/programme in relation to the specific project/programme(s) specified in the job advert (e.g. experience of people change projects, or IT/technical projects).
What's on Offer
* 12 month contract.
* 2 days a week onsite in Manchester / 3 days working from home.
* Inside IR35.
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