Project Management Practice Lead

Sanderson; North East; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanderson in Darlington is seeking a Project Management Practice Lead to shape and grow a large delivery capability within a complex financial services environment. This senior leadership role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership across a broad portfolio of programs.

You will lead a team of project managers (c.10 staff plus contractors), drive governance, resource planning and capability growth, and partner with Portfolio Managers to align delivery with business priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large Project Management teams.
• Strong people leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Background within financial services, pensions or investments desirable.
• Experience operating at PM Manager, Head of PM level or similar leadership.
• Proven track record of delivering governance and capability improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and continuously improve the Project Management function.
• Manage a team of c.10 permanent Project Managers alongside a similar contractor population.
• Oversee resource deployment, capability planning and team growth.
• Identify delivery gaps and drive improvements across the function.
• Take accountability for successful project delivery across a broad portfolio.
• Partner closely with Portfolio Managers and senior stakeholders to align project delivery with business priorities.
• Coach, mentor and develop Project Management leaders and teams.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Delivery governance

Financial services domain

Portfolio management

Job description

Project Management Practice Lead

Location: Darlington/Hybrid (2-3 days per week in the office)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

A senior leadership opportunity for an experienced Project Management professional to lead and develop a large delivery capability within a complex financial services environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop and continuously improve the Project Management function.


• Manage a team of c.10 permanent Project Managers alongside a similar contractor population.


• Oversee resource deployment, capability planning and team growth.


• Identify delivery gaps and drive improvements across the function.


• Take accountability for successful project delivery across a broad portfolio.


• Partner closely with Portfolio Managers and senior stakeholders to align project delivery with business priorities.


• Coach, mentor and develop Project Management leaders and teams.

About You:

• Proven experience leading large Project Management teams.


• Strong people leadership and stakeholder management skills.


• Background within financial services, with pensions or investments experience highly desirable.


• Experience operating at Project Management Manager, Head of Project Management, or similar leadership level.


• Strong track record of driving delivery, governance and capability improvement.

An excellent opportunity to shape a high-performing project delivery function within a growing and evolving organisation.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us.

We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives.

Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.