Strategic Project Manager

Our client is looking to add to their current programme team. This is focused on a highly strategic programme. The successful candidate will be part of a high performing team and get an opportunity to be part of projects with real social impact.A successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of activities including:

Project and Programme Delivery

• Managing, or supporting the management of projects through all stages of the project lifecycle, from concept development to full implementation.
• Overseeing, or assisting in overseeing, the delivery of projects and programmes with strategic partners.
• Monitoring the performance of external service providers and delivery agencies to ensure quality outcomes.
• Ensuring project designs, tender documentation, and delivery align with agreed project requirements.
• Undertaking analysis to identify suitable higher education investment proposals.
• Undertaking reviews of project proposals and determining their progression.

Financial and Strategic Oversight

• Arranging and overseeing the appraisal of projects, including reviewing business cases, financial analyses, and economic appraisals for capital projects.
• Ensuring funded projects comply with national policies, planning frameworks, and procurement regulations.
• Overseeing and reporting on project and programme expenditure.
• Preparing and presenting regular progress and expenditure reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing requisition, disbursement, and reporting of funding, including annual profiling and regular financial updates.

Systems, Processes and Strategy

• Overseeing the development and implementation of internal and external systems, procedures, and guidance documentation.
• Contributing to the design and delivery of strategies and implementation programmes that strengthen project outcomes.
• Managing and maintaining the Programmes database to ensure accurate and upto-date information.

People and Stakeholder Engagement

• Managing and developing junior staff within the unit, providing mentorship and guidance.
• Collaborating with colleagues, senior management, and external partners to deliver on shared objectives.

Additional Duties Oversight

• Contributing to other projects or tasks as required.
• Any other duties assigned by the senior members of the team.

Requirements

• Minimum level 7 degree in a relevant discipline such as engineering, surveying, programme management, capital development economics/finance or relevant equivalent. Post graduate qualifications will be an advantage.
• A minimum of 2 years of satisfactory experience, ideally within the construction sector in project appraisal, capital investment planning, design development or construction delivery stage(s) of capital project delivery.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• The capacity to handle various tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A track record of working independently and accepting responsibility for projects.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and working collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to engage clearly, succinctly, and with confidence.
• The capacity to query, analyse, and challenge information and data.

Desirable

• Knowledge of relevant regulations, policies and guidelines, including Infrastructure Guidelines, Capital Work Management Framework, Climate Action Plan, etc.
• A recognised project management qualification (such as PRINCE2, PMI, or equivalent) would be beneficial.
• An understanding of procurement regulations and compliance requirements.
• A strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for modelling, reporting and data analysis.
• Experience in data visualisation, statistics and reporting tools, such as Power BI and Tableau.
• Ideally, some experience in the use of specialist software packages such as Microsoft Project, ArcGIS, and AutoCAD.

Key Competencies

• Building Future Readiness - maximises the use of technology and digital solutions and contributes to the development of policy, strategy and future planning for their area.
• Evidence Informed Delivery - makes evidence based and well-informed judgements and decisions, prioritises objectives, and effectively manages resources.
• Leading and Empowering - develops, supports, and empowers colleagues to meet their potential, and creates a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Communicating and collaborating - communicates and presents in a clear, professional and engaging manner, across verbal, digital and written communications.