Head of IT Projects (12 Month FTC)

Job Purpose: Accountable for managing the successful delivery of the IT Portfolio during an exciting period of strategic change. Ensure effective delivery through the IT Project Management Office, developing and maturing the delivery capability (people, processes, tools and governance) and delivering an IT Portfolio of complex projects and programmes, globally.

Responsibilities:

• Delivery of the IT Portfolio, tracking KPIs, interdependencies, risks, resources, priorities, budgets, suppliers and third-party contractors.
• Ensuring the continued maturity of the IT Project Management Office, including the continued improvement of reporting, governance, tools, policies and processes.
• Leading and monitoring projects to ensure predictability in delivery, quality, and financial outcomes, whilst ensuring benefits are monitored and realised.
• Leading and managing project gateway reviews with the CIO to ensure each project has a robust business case, controls, delivery, and rollout plan.
• Managing the deployed baseline for each project, including KPIs, schedules, risk, resources, dependencies, and progress.
• Managing third party suppliers and partners to ensure dependencies are delivered on time, to the required quality and with appropriate governance.
• Managing uncertainty across the portfolio in line with the latest techniques to realise opportunities, mitigate threats and resolve issues.
• Leading the IT Projects team, coaching and developing members to be their best and developing the global capability by adopting the latest tools and techniques.
• Initiating communication and improvement activities to ensure maximum alignment of the IT portfolio and business priorities.
  
  

Required Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent qualification/experience with ITIL qualifications
• APM APMQ (minimum), Chartered Project Professional (desirable)
• Track record of leading a complex heterogeneous Portfolio, implementing change across a diverse organisation.
• Knowledge of project management tools, processes, and latest techniques.
• Experience of working with stakeholder across geographically diverse areas and cultures.
• Experience of IT operations management and knowledge of project governance processes and frameworks.
• Experience working with hybrid, lean and agile methodologies.

Required Competencies

• Highly motivated, self-starter with a personal commitment to delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisation skills – able to manage multiple and concurrent projects.
• Strong analytic and decision-making abilities.
• Able to ‘lead from the front’ by taking a hands-on approach to delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and motivate teams in multiple geographic locations.