Senior Project Manager

Gist Limited; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

M&S discount

25 days leave + bank holidays

Healthcare cash plan discount

Annual bonus scheme

Pension / life assurance (up to 4x)

Job summary

Gist is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to own large-scale, critical programmes delivering site completion, migration and automated mechanisation within the M&S Group logistics ecosystem.

You will coordinate business, technology, engineering, operations, suppliers and delivery partners, ensuring safe, on-time delivery with clear accountability and benefits realisation. This role is UK-based with travel across the country.

Qualifications

• Leading complex, cross-functional projects and implementations.
• Migration, cutover and business continuity planning.
• Knowledgeable in WMS, automation, technology or engineering integration.
• Strong project controls across RAID, planning, cost, change, dependencies and governance.
• Confidently managing suppliers and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrated delivery plans, driving milestones, dependencies, risks, critical path and outcomes.
• Lead site completion, readiness, migration, cutover, testing, training and go-live.
• Integrate technology, WMS, engineering and mechanisation delivery into the wider programme.
• Provide clear governance, reporting and escalation to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate multiple teams, suppliers and delivery partners, holding to accountable for desired outcomes.
• Drive safe, controlled implementation through stabilisation, handover and benefits realisation.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Project controls

Risk management

Communication

Education

PRINCE2 certification

APM certification

Agile certification

Tools

WMS systems

Migration tooling

PM tools (MS Project/Primavera)

Job description

Job Description

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

The Opportunity

Our Technology team have exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager where you will take ownership of large-scale critical projects driving the delivery of the programmes from site completion, operational readiness, migration and the implementation of automated mechanisation.

As the integration lead you will ensure collaboration and connectivity between the business, technology, engineering, operations, suppliers and delivery partners to ensure everything comes together safely on time and with clear accountability.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to the Senior Head of Programme Integration, you will:

• Own the integrated delivery plans, driving milestones, dependencies, risks, critical path and outcomes.
• Lead site completion, readiness, migration, cutover, testing, training and go-live.
• Integrate technology, WMS, engineering and mechanisation delivery into the wider programme.
• Provide clear governance, reporting and escalation to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate multiple teams, suppliers and delivery partners, holding to accountable for desired outcomes.
• Drive safe, controlled implementation through stabilisation, handover and benefits realisation.
• Ensure delivery is controlled across time, cost, quality, risk and change.
• Support the Senior Head of Programme Integration with any additional tasks.

What we're looking for

To be successful in your application you will be a confident project leader, someone who thrives in connecting operations, technology, engineering and suppliers’ teams with an objective focused and curious mindset. You will be able to demonstrate a proven track record in:

• Leading complex, cross-functional projects and implementations, ideally within a 3PL, logistics & supply chain, or FMCG environment.
• Experienced in migration, cutover and business continuity planning.
• Knowledgeable in WMS, automation, technology or engineering integration.
• Strong project controls across RAID, planning, cost, change, dependencies and governance.
• Comfortable managing suppliers and senior stakeholders with confidence.
• Able to turn complex delivery challenges into clear actions and outcomes.
• Certified in PRINCE2, APM, Agile or similar qualifications are desirable.

This is a hands-on delivery leadership role where your ability to bring people, technology and operations together will directly shape successful implementation. If you are an experienced delivery leader who brings structure, pace and accountability we would like to hear from you!

Salary: Up to £81,000 per annum (DOE)
Hours:Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Location:This role can be based anywhere in the UK, however individuals must be comfortable with travel across the UK.

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme
• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.