Project Manager

Learning People; Preston; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent technology firm based in Preston is seeking an experienced project manager to oversee IT project delivery. This role requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in managing software solutions with budgets up to £1m. Key responsibilities include ensuring timely project completion, maintaining client relationships, and developing risk management strategies. Competitive salary range from £37,500 to £45,000, along with employee benefits including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + 8 statutory days

Wellness and EAP package

Auto-enrolment pension scheme

Free parking

Long service leave

Qualifications

• Must have right to work in the UK.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in project management.
• Proficiency in developing project plans and identifying risks.

Responsibilities

• Ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.
• Cultivate client relationships and maintain stakeholder communication.
• Develop effective mitigation strategies for potential risks.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Proactive work ethic

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

Jira

Trello

Asana

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Description

Established in 2010, Smart IT are the UK's only Gold Partner for Odoo ERP software. We transform businesses with innovative ERP solutions delivered by our in-house consultants and developers, helping businesses operate efficiently and achieve a competitive advantage.

We currently employ in excess of 60 people across our Kirkham and Rugby offices and due to continued growth now have a requirement to add to our project management team.

This role is ideal for an experienced IT professional with a technical background, particularly someone with prior experience in delivering software solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Project Delivery :
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within agreed scope, and on budget.
• Take ownership of project commercial control and maintain profit margins.
• Structure, plan, and oversee project execution based on Project Initiation Documents (PIDs).
• Provide regular, transparent updates on project progress to stakeholders.
• Meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to fulfil project objectives.
• Stakeholder Communication :
• Cultivate and nurture strong client relationships.
• You should be comfortable meeting and speaking with clients as the primary method of communication.
• Keep all project stakeholders informed through regular formal, documented updates.
• Organise and lead weekly project meetings, sharing comprehensive updates, plans, and timelines with clients.
• Reporting :
• Demonstrate proactive and clear expectation management through consistent communication and status reporting, both internally and to clients.
• Provide timely reports to project steering committees and control boards.
• Monitor project budgets and provide financial reports to stakeholders.
• Risk Management :
• Proactively identify and document potential risks that could hinder project progress.
• Collaborate with Functional Consultants to develop and implement effective mitigation plans.
• Operational Management :
• Oversee day-to-day operational aspects of projects.
• Participate in daily standup meetings and offer support to the team when necessary.
• Establish and manage client expectations and responsibilities.
• Identify and mitigate potential instances of "scope creep".
• Control the credit position on all your projects, raising stage invoices, controlling aged debt and ensuring clients pay on time.

Team Info

As a key member of our team, you will report directly to the Head of Project Management. Your role entails meticulously planning, coordinating, and executing mid to large-scale digital projects. Working closely with functional consultants, developers, project managers, partners, and stakeholders, you will spearhead the successful delivery of projects. Your accountability lies in leading and managing projects to ensure their successful completion.

Requirements

• Must have right to work in the UK - This role does not offer sponsorship.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a related capacity within a digital agency or software house.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering digital / IT projects with budgets up to £1million
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to successfully deliver projects.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.

Project Documentation

• Proficiency in developing robust project plans, identifying risks and issues, and devising effective mitigation strategies.

Communication Skills

• Strong communication skills encompassing verbal, written, and motivational aspects.

Organisational Proficiency

• Excellent organisational skills with the capability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain relationships, fostering collaborative work across various levels within the organisation.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Proactive Work Ethic

• Proven ability to work proactively and deliver projects within tight deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Work Pattern

• Work from the Kirkham, Lancashire office.

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field :
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Business Administration

Desirable requirements / Good to have

• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, etc.)
• Practitioner-level certification / qualification in Agile PM or Prince 2
• Proficiency with project management tools (Jira, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project, etc.)
• Clear ability in resource management, timelines risk and budgets

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + 8 statutory days per year
• Enrolment into the Company's Wellness and EAP package
• Enrolment into the company auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Free parking
• long service leave
• Pay : £37,500.00-£45,000.00 per year