Project Manager (SC cleared)

North Highland; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

North Highland seeks a Project Manager in London to mobilise, plan, and execute government reform programmes. You will oversee governance, budgets, and multi-workstream delivery while engaging stakeholders at all levels to drive transformation.

Ideal candidates bring SC clearance, proven public sector experience, and change-management skills to ensure successful programme outcomes within an IR35 framework and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in project or programme management within government or public sector environments.
• Strong knowledge of government project governance frameworks and best practice methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple, cross-functional workstreams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead project setup, planning, and initiation activities for government reform programmes.
• Manage governance structures and ensure compliance with departmental standards and best practices.
• Coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment and timely progress.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and maintain effective communication across all levels.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and interdependencies.
• Monitor project performance against agreed metrics and reporting requirements.
• Support senior leadership with strategic recommendations and escalation management.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation and progress reports.
• Drive organisational change management activities to support programme objectives.

Skills

SC clearance

Stakeholder management

Governance frameworks

Change management

Communication

Multi-workstream delivery

Education

Project management certifications (PMP/PRINCE2)

Job description

MAKE STRATEGY A REALITY | ACCELERATE YOUR GROWTH | CHOOSE YOUR PATH As the world's leading change and transformation consultancy, we're helping businesses move from strategy to reality by taking a pragmatic and practical approach to build solutions that last.

We're seeking SC cleared Project Managers in London to help us take vision to value and create lasting impact. This is an affiliate role at North Highland supporting a central government client on an approximate 12 month basis, hybrid and inside IR35 (PAYE) via an umbrella company.

SUMMARY As a Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering transformational government reform initiatives. You will be responsible for mobilising, planning, and executing strategic programmes that restore order and control within critical public systems. Your expertise in programme and project management will ensure that complex, multi-workstream deliverables are coordinated seamlessly, stakeholders are engaged effectively, and governance frameworks support successful outcomes over sustained delivery periods.

YOU WILL:

• Lead project setup, planning, and initiation activities for government reform programmes
• Manage governance structures and ensure compliance with departmental standards and best practices
• Coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment and timely progress
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and maintain effective communication across all levels
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource plans
• Identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and interdependencies
• Monitor project performance against agreed metrics and reporting requirements
• Support senior leadership with strategic recommendations and escalation management
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation and progress reports
• Drive organisational change management activities to support programme objectives

IDEALLY, WE'D LIKE:

• Valid SC clearance
• Proven experience in project or programme management within government or public sector environments
• Demonstrable experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects or programmes
• Strong knowledge of government project governance frameworks and best practice methodologies
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all organisational levels
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple competing priorities
• Experience in change management and organisational transformation initiatives
• Relevant project management qualifications or certifications (desirable)
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence without direct authority
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United Kingdom, without the need for visa sponsorship by North Highland. Work visa sponsorship will not be provided, either now or in the future, for this position. This is a temporary employee (Inside IR35 PAYE) opportunity working via an Umbrella company. Specific hybrid requirements are yet to be determined although the general requirement would be for 2 or 3 days in office per week.

North Highland is an equal opportunity employer, and we adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to ensure a fair and equitable workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We handle all information in accordance local privacy standards and maintain strict confidentiality.