Project Manager

Punter Southall; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in the UK is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead complex change projects. You will be responsible for end-to-end project delivery, stakeholder management, and ensuring projects meet defined financial targets. The ideal candidate has a strong background in project management methodologies and excellent communication skills. This role offers competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Competitive Company Pension Scheme

Employee discounted schemes

25 days holiday with the option to purchase more

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working in project management.
• Ability to deliver multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and delivery-focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of end-to-end delivery for projects.
• Define and develop project plans, milestones, and budgets.
• Track and report project progress to stakeholders.

Skills

Project management processes and terms

Waterfall, Agile & Hybrid methodologies

Creating project plans with detailed work breakdown structure

Communication skills

Time management skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Recognised project management qualification (APM, PMI, PRINCE2, etc.)

Tools

Office software (Excel, PowerPoint, MSP preferred)

Atlassian products (Jira/Confluence)

Job description

At Guardian, our mission is simple: to ensure every family has protection they truly believe in. We're challenging the market with a fresh approach and a brand promise Life. Made Better.

What does a Project Manager do?

Project Manager is to lead complex change projects and initiatives across the business that form part of our change portfolio. They will be responsible for delivering projects or a small portfolio of projects (e.g. related to substantially sized project) that deliver new or enhanced products or measurable improvements in performance, efficiency and customer experience. The Project Manager will be responsible for delivering within defined financial targets and business outcomes. This role combines strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and a hands‑on project delivery approach.

Your Responsibilities Include But Will Not Be Limited To

• Own all aspects of end‑to‑end delivery for a project from ideation through to closure
• Define and develop project plans, milestones, and budgets aligned to the portfolio of deliverables. Ensuring that key time, quality and cost milestones are achieved.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to define project scope, success metrics and delivery framework, according to the desired business outcome.
• Effectively identify and manage project risks, issues and interdependencies across workstreams and implement mitigation strategies.
• Conduct regular project team meetings with key internal and external stakeholders as appropriate to ensure that projects stay on track.
• Track and report project progress to key stakeholders through appropriate methods
• Facilitate collaboration across business stakeholders, project team members, internal IT staff and contractors to support the delivery of each project.

Who are we looking for?

• Understanding of project management processes and terms, including an understanding of both Waterfall, Agile & Hybrid methodologies.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience working in project management.
• Expertise in creating project plans with detailed work breakdown structure.
• Experience delivering multiple projects simultaneously, balancing own workload in accordance with project priorities.
• Proactive and creative approach to taking on new tasks and getting things done.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to quickly understand new concepts and principles.
• Comfortable challenging processes and asking questions.
• Focus on providing solutions to problems quickly and efficiently.
• Possess good communication, analytical, and written skills.
• Self‑motivated and delivery focused with excellent time management skills.
• Team player with proven ability to collaborate and build relationships across functions.
• An enthusiastic, positive individual with a desire to continuously develop and improve.
• Must be competent in Office software (including Excel and PowerPoint. MSP preferred but not essential).

Knowledge / Understanding of the following areas would be advantageous

• Recognised project management qualification (APM, PMI, PRINCE2, etc.) preferable
• Agile delivery/Scrum Master experience and qualification preferable
• Experience of working in financial services preferable
• Experience with Atlassian products (Jira/Confluence) would be helpful.
• Knowledge of devops processes and principles would be an advantage.

What's in it for you?

• Private Medical Insurance with rewards for yourself with discounted rates for your family members
• Competitive Company Pension Scheme
• Access to several employee discounted schemes to suit your lifestyle including but not limited to:
  • Private dental insurance
  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Comprehensive Europe and Worldwide Travel Insurance
  • Medical Cash Plan
  • Gym memberships
  • Access to 24/7 GP service for you and your family
  • 25 days holiday with the option to purchase more

This is an exciting time to be joining us with plenty of opportunity for professional growth we invite you to apply to become part of our award‑winning team.