Programme Manager - Research and Engineering

• Job Description & Summary

   

   

  Our Operate business helps organisations transform and run complex operational processes that often create challenges and hinder their progress. Harnessing the power of tech and data to drive performance, Operate brings together innovative minds with a distinctive mix of subject matter knowledge and operational skills to deliver results that make the difference. We work with some of the most recognisable organisations worldwide in delivering large scale operational programmes and managed solutions.  Underpinning all of this is our commitment to ensuring our people are equipped with tomorrow's skills to drive success for our clients today.  

   

  The Role

   

  We’ve invested £40m into the creation of our Advanced Research and Engineering Centre in Belfast, part funded by Invest NI. We’re creating a team of engineers and technologists who’ll work within a bigger innovation ecosystem, including government, University academia and business, to help our clients take giant leaps, rather than incremental steps.

   

  Our Advanced Research and Engineering Centre, based in Belfast, delivers pivotal breakthroughs to uncover the next generation of operational technology. As part of a team of innovative thinkers, you’ll work together to design solutions that will define the next decade and beyond.

   

  As Programme Manager, responsibilities will include;

   

  • Driving our large scale technology transformation programmes directly from our Belfast hub.

  • Owning the delivery of scaled technology transformation programmes.

  • Managing shared resources within the project team, including third party resources and suppliers.

  • Implementing processes that allow the roll out of multiple new projects and products onto new devices and platforms rapidly, making best use of the available allocation of project resources, engineers and solution resources.

  • Managing multiple stakeholders at all levels of the organisation - from Analysts to Board Level members.

  • Ensuring programme and project standards (documentation, risk/dependency management, budget tracking, reporting, and governance) are lightweight, appropriate and consistent across the department and meet the needs of the programme and the wider group.

  • Identifying, evaluating and actively managing risks, issues, dependencies, and scope changes associated with the programme/project

  • Working with the Executive Management Team, Head of Delivery and other Senior Managers across PwC Operate to understand the requirements for future projects.

  • Maximising opportunities to develop world class products and services as well as ensuring accurate financial reports.

  • Ensuring strong communication is maintained providing regular updates on project progress.

  • Producing key documents during the implementation phase including regular highlight reports, financial forecasts and updating plans for the business and other key stakeholders.

  • Ensuring that risks and dependencies across the Platform and Portfolio are managed effectively and escalated where appropriate.

  • Appropriately structuring the portfolio pipeline, ensuring that resources are prioritised and scheduled across projects to maximise effectiveness. Also ensuring front door processes are informed by an understanding of operational and resource requirements.

  
   

  Skills and experience

  
   

  • Substantial experience in Programme or Change Management role

  • Experience of project management in an environment employing Agile development practices for managing service and product development

  • Experience of overseeing large scale budgets

  • Regarded as an expert practitioner of recognised business and project management tools and techniques

  • Proven leadership and people management skills with demonstrable experience of motivating and leading project management teams including an understanding of how to attract, develop and retain talented individuals

  • Experience of managing multiple stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and the ability to work at C-Suite / Board Level

  • Experience in identifying and implementing training & development plans

  • Ability to build, manage and sustain strong relationships with clients and technology partners

  • Significant experience of contract negotiation and effective monitoring of agreed contracts

  • Demonstrated strong performance in prior roles, with increasing levels of responsibility and independence; demonstrated ability to lead complex operational and strategic initiatives within a technical and/or product development environment

  • Distinctive problem solving and analysis skills, combined with impeccable business judgment and ability to communicate with a highly technical management team