Contract Project Manager jobs in United Kingdom

We are seeking an experienced IT-OT-Digital expert with a strong background in Manufacturing operations. In this role, you will manage and lead several critical projects across various manufacturing plants at RAK Ceramics Group. You will work closely with both IT and manufacturing team stakeholders to drive the successful planning, execution, and delivery of IT-OT-Digital projects that enhance manufacturing operations, improve business processes, reduce costs, improve product quality, enhance plant safety and sustainability, and integrate technology across the organization. You will be directly involved in managing large-scale projects that have a significant impact on the manufacturing plant and across other departments.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management & Execution:

• Lead Key Projects Across the Organization: Manage and lead high-impact projects across various departments, including the manufacturing plant and supply chain, to improve business processes through technology solutions. These projects will include system integrations, process optimization, and technology upgrades.
• Manufacturing Plant Focus: Oversee and manage projects specific to the manufacturing plant, such as system upgrades, process automation, and technology integration. Work closely with plant leadership and operations to ensure seamless project execution.
• Portfolio Management: Manage the IT department’s overall portfolio of change initiatives, including developing stakeholder briefings, budgets, plans, and tracking key milestones. Provide regular updates on the portfolio's status to senior leadership.
• Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies. Work with key stakeholders to mitigate risks and track progress to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

• Collaboration with Multiple Departments: Work with leaders across various departments—including manufacturing and supply chain—to understand business needs and translate them into actionable IT project requirements.
• Project Execution Across Functions: Lead projects that impact multiple departments, ensuring alignment and integration of systems across business functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the successful adoption of IT solutions across the organization.
• Process Optimization: Implement and optimize technology systems to enhance cross-departmental collaboration, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the smooth running of manufacturing and business operations.

Project Monitoring & Control:

• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on the performance of projects, focusing on key metrics such as budget, cost, resources, and timelines. Provide status reports and updates to senior management, particularly on projects that impact both manufacturing and other departments.
• Health Checks & Reporting: Regularly monitor the health of ongoing projects, especially those with cross-departmental implications. Provide snapshots and performance summaries to senior leadership to ensure strategic alignment and identify any potential roadblocks.
• Milestone Management: Establish key milestones and timelines for all projects, ensuring that deadlines are met and providing updates on any potential delays or changes to project scope.

Resource & Stakeholder Management:

• Resource Planning & Allocation: Oversee resource allocation across all projects, ensuring the optimal utilization of resources. Perform capacity planning and make adjustments as needed to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Facilitate clear and continuous communication across departments to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Training & Support: Provide necessary training and support to end-users during project implementation, ensuring smooth transitions and effective adoption of new systems and technologies.

Governance & Best Practices:

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure all projects adhere to project management best practices and governance frameworks, such as PRINCE2, PMP, or PMBOK. Follow established methodologies for managing and delivering complex projects, particularly those that involve multiple departments.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including plans, status reports, risk logs, and lessons learned. Ensure all project information is accurately tracked and reported to leadership.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Industry Experience: 12-15 years of experience in IT project management, with at least 5 years of industry experience in the Manufacturing sector, specifically managing large-scale projects that impact manufacturing and other business functions.
• Project Management Experience: Strong experience in leading and delivering projects across multiple departments, including manufacturing and supply chain. Demonstrated ability to manage complex cross-functional projects and integrate systems.
• PMO Experience: Proven experience in managing an IT project portfolio, ensuring that projects are aligned with business goals, and providing visibility into project performance (including budget, timeline, and resource management).
• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams, engage stakeholders at all levels, and drive project success through clear communication and strategic alignment.
• Tools & Technologies: Proficiency in MS Office (particularly PowerPoint, Excel, and Project), and familiarity with project management tools. ITIL and PMO framework knowledge is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications: Manufacturing OT related certifications (L1-L2-L3 systems), SAP PP certification, or any other relevant IT certifications.
• Manufacturing System Integration: Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and their integration with other business systems.
• ITIL Awareness: Familiarity with ITIL principles and how they apply to the management of IT services within a manufacturing environment.