Project Manager - 14 month FTC - Change

Clarke Willmott Llp; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarke Willmott LLP is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead technology and business change initiatives on a 14-month fixed-term contract. You will own projects from conception to implementation, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and aligned with strategic objectives.

You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, sponsors, suppliers and delivery teams, champion best practice and support the firm’s transformation agenda.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering technology and business change projects from initiation through to implementation and BAU handover.
• Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall and hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Sound understanding of project governance, risk management, change control and benefits realisation.
• Ability to translate business requirements into practical and achievable delivery plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead successful project delivery across the full lifecycle using Agile, Waterfall or hybrid approaches.
• Define project scope, objectives, plans, budgets and timelines to ensure on-time delivery.
• Coordinate project teams and resources, maintain momentum and drive milestones.
• Provide clear project leadership and ensure governance standards are applied.
• Identify and manage risks, issues, budgets, dependencies and change.
• Monitor performance and report to sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Project delivery

Agile

Waterfall

Hybrid delivery

Governance

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PRINCE2 / PMP / AgilePM or equivalent

Job description

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of technology and business change initiatives across the firm. This will be a 14 month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, project sponsors, suppliers and delivery teams, you will take ownership of projects from initial conception through to implementation, business‑as‑usual handover and benefits realisation. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to the firm’s strategic objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys driving change, building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering solutions that create lasting value for clients, colleagues and the wider business. You will have the opportunity to influence how projects are delivered, champion best practice and support the firm’s ongoing transformation agenda.

Day to day, you’ll be successful in this role by:

• Leading Successful Project Delivery
  • Managing technology and business change projects through the full lifecycle using Agile, Waterfall or hybrid delivery approaches
  • Defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, plans, schedules, budgets and timelines to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Coordinating project teams and resources, maintaining momentum and driving delivery against agreed milestones
  • Providing clear project leadership and ensuring project governance standards are consistently applied.
• Driving Governance and Delivering Value
  • Identify and managing risks, issues, budgets, dependencies and change to protect project outcomes
  • Supporting the development of business cases and ensuring projects remain aligned with strategic objectives and expected benefits.
  • Monitoring project performance and providing accurate reporting to sponsors and stakeholders.
  • Ensuring robust decision-making and effective control throughout the project lifecycle.

• Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships

  Developing trusted relationships with stakeholders across the firm and external suppliers.

  • Facilitating collaboration, engagement and effective communication at all levels.
  • Managing expectations and supporting informed decision-making throughout project delivery.
  • Promoting a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and best practice.

• Supporting Implementation and Continuous Improvement

• • Planning and coordinating smooth project implementation and transition into business‑as‑usual operations.
  • Supporting training, documentation and operational readiness activities.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve processes, ways of working and delivery effectiveness.
  • Contributing to the firm’s wider change and transformation initiatives.

The role is right for you if:

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Project Delivery Expertise

• Proven experience delivering technology and business change projects from initiation through to implementation and BAU handover.
• Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall and hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Sound understanding of project governance, risk management, change control and benefits realisation.
• Ability to translate business requirements into practical and achievable delivery plans.

Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Confident facilitating discussions, building consensus and managing competing priorities.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers and business leaders.

Planning and Organisation

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges before they impact delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on delivering quality outcomes.

What you will bring

• Adaptable, resilient and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Curious and committed to continuous learning and professional development.
• Collaborative, positive and focused on achieving shared success.
• Passionate about delivering meaningful change and business improvement.

Adaptable and resilient in a fast‑paced environment

Qualifications

• A recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP, AgilePM or equivalent experience.
• Good understanding of project governance, change management and business transformation principles.

Experience

• Minimum of three years' project management experience, ideally within a legal, professional services or similarly regulated environment.
• Experience delivering both technology and business change initiatives.
• Demonstrable experience managing stakeholders, suppliers, budgets, risks and project governance activities.

Behaviours:

• Professional, proactive and accountable.
• Collaborative and relationship focused.
• Solution‑oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

About Us

Who we are

You’ll be joining a national law firm that enjoys a strong reputation, made possible by our exceptional people – each chosen for their industry knowledge and passion for their field. We want to help you to reach your full potential, love the work you do and deliver the best results for your clients. It’s our goal to make you feel great about working with us, and we work hard to cultivate a culture that makes it easy for you to stay with us for many years.

We work flexibly and you’ll be empowered to work where you do your best work, balancing your individual needs with the need for us to engage as teams and deliver excellent client service.

What we can offer you

A career at Clarke Willmott will feel different to other law firms. We thrive on our individual differences and diversity because as a team, we are united by our shared values and mutual respect. Working with us you will feel empowered, valued and free to be yourself in a safe and supportive environment.

Our mission is to help you realise your full potential whilst maintaining a positive work‑life balance. We provide a comprehensive learning and development programme and a range of wellbeing initiatives to support your career journey.

There’s no doubt we expect the best from our people and even the occasional extra mile. In return, your dedication and commitment to the continued success of the firm will be rewarded with a comprehensive range of flexible benefits.