Project Manager - Hybrid Working

Guardian Financial Services; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Company Pension Scheme

Employee discounted schemes

Job summary

Guardian Financial Services in Reading is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead complex IT change initiatives, delivering projects on time, within budget and to expected outcomes. You will guide cross‑functional teams and ensure value delivery across the change portfolio.

You will define plans, manage risks, and collaborate with business stakeholders to set scope, milestones and success metrics using Waterfall, Agile or Hybrid approaches.

Qualifications

• Understanding of project management processes across Waterfall, Agile and Hybrid methods.
• Proven experience delivering multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop detailed project plans, milestones and budgets.
• Strong communication, analytical and written skills.
• Self-motivated with delivery focus and time management.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery for projects from ideation to closure.
• Define and develop project plans, milestones and budgets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define scope, success metrics and delivery framework.
• Identify and manage risks and interdependencies; implement mitigations.
• Lead regular project team meetings with stakeholders to ensure progress.
• Track progress and report to key stakeholders using appropriate methods.
• Facilitate collaboration across business, IT and contractors.

Skills

Project management

Waterfall

Agile

Hybrid delivery

Stakeholder management

Budget & schedule control

Risk management

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Tools

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.

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our IT department.

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.

Should you wish to learn more about the role, or have any questions, please contact our HR Team via [e-mail].