______

Role Description

Faculty/Service:Vice Chancellor’s Office

Department:Transformation Management Team

Role Title:Project Manager

Grade:7

Role Profile:Administrative 7

Category: Support - Management

Job Purpose: Management and delivery of projects on behalf of the University in accordance with the University Project Management Methodology.

Responsible to:Head of Projects

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manages projects and project delivery teams in accordance with Project office standards and business objectives, engaging with and managing the expectations of key business stakeholders.
  • Plans, directs, and co-ordinates programme managing projects and activities from proposal initiation (pre- Gateway 1) to final operational stage (Gateway 5). May undertake activities themselves if required.
  • Plans, monitors, and reports on project activities, ensuring effectivegovernance, risk, issues and resource arrangements are in place, supported by effective reporting.
  • Manages project delivery through the “Gateway” process with appropriate documentation, stakeholder engagement and sign off.
  • Ensures that projects are managed to realise business benefits and where appropriate, informed by an awareness of current technical developments.
  • Ensures projects have the appropriate resources to deliver outcomes by liaison with other functions – in particular Professional Support Services including HR, IT, Communications, Marketing, SLS.
  • Ensures that inter-dependencies and impact on current business activities and projects are documented and understood.
  • Acts as project “customer” to IT technical project delivery.
  • Ensures appropriate escalation takes place in the case of issues and risks within projects.
  • Recommends and implements corrective action in projects by engaging the Head of Projects, Project Sponsor andother appropriate key stakeholders.
  • Leads and inspiresproject teams to successfully deliver projects in support of project objectives and deliverables aligned to the Project Office, University Strategy, Corporate Goals and Vision 2025.
  • As an ambassador for the Transformation Management Team, positively promotes effective project management practices throughout the University.

Generic Responsibilities:

  • Takes responsibility for budgeting, resource management and activity planning within projects under their control.
  • Motivates and leads project delivery teams, ensuring delivery withindefinedtime, cost and quality delivery parameters.
  • Ensures that project delivery teams understand project delivery requirements in accordance with project management processes and policies.
  • Where appropriate and specific to projects under their control,manages day to day relationships with third party project resources.
  • To contribute, where appropriate, to the Northumbria Transformation Programme Board, committees, working groups and University projects.
  • To participate in appropriate internal and external networks and professional groups in the interests of the role and in order to enhance networks and share good practice.
  • To undertake any other duties assigned by the Head of Projects.

Dimensions:

  • Manage and deliver projects up to c.£2million in value and matrix management of project delivery teams of up to c.20 people.
  • Manage project capital and revenue budgets in line with approved tolerances and business cases.

Working Relationships:

  • Develop excellent working relationships with stakeholders across the University.
  • Develop close working relationships with the Head of Projects, Project Sponsors and senior stakeholders within Faculties and Services.
  • Strong team working relationships with ProjectDelivery team(s).
  • Good working relationships with third party suppliers and external organisations as necessary.

Key Qualifications:

  • Graduate level qualification or equivalent in a related area of Project Management.
  • Professional Project Management qualification, e.g. PRINCE 2 Practitioner.

Attendance Requirements:

  • Working under a professional contract to work the hours required fulfilling the needs of the post.

Person Specification

Service: Vice Chancellor’s Office

Job Title:Project Manager

Grade:7

E/D / A/S
Specific Knowledge
1. / Knowledge and understanding of project & change management. / E / A
2. / Knowledge of project financial management, including planning and controlling project budgets. / E / A
3. / Knowledge of key project areas including project governance, stakeholder management, risk and issue management, project planning and project reporting. / E / A
Skills and Abilities
4. / Excellent project management skills including practical use of project management tools and techniques including project planning, risk and issue management, project budget management and non-financial resource management. / E / A/S
5. / Ability to develop, lead and implement projects which cross service and professional boundaries. / E / A/S
6. / Ability to lead project team members when there is no direct line of command, engendering co-operation and communication rather than operating in hierarchical boundaries. / E / A/S
7. / Adopts a holistic approach encompassing cost, scope and benefits in the light of resource, constraints and risk. / E / A/S
8. / Ability to understand the 'bigger picture'. Being outward looking whilst being able to translate the main business drivers into project deliverables and outcomes. / E / A/S
9. / Ability to analyse problems and produce a range of options and solutions. / E / A/S
10. / Ability to make rational, realistic and sound decisions based on consideration of all the facts and alternatives available. / E / A/S
11. / Well developed communication and presentation skills, including extensive report writing skills and face to face interaction in both small and large groups. / E / A/S
12. / Understands customer’s needs and takes appropriate action to meet their requirements whilst effectively managing stakeholder and customer expectations. / E / A/S
13. / Ability to encourage and engender collaborative working with suppliers and other external partners to achieve objectives. / E / A/S
14. / Focussed on delivering results and meeting deadlines. / E / A/S
Experience of:
15. / Experience of working in the role of Project/Programme Managerwithin a large and diverse organisation, delivering projects to cost, time and quality requirements / E / A/S
16. / Experience of working with suppliers and other partners outside the organisation. / D / A/S
17. / Experience of co-ordinating the activities of staff. / E / A/S
18. / Experience of working with directors, senior managers and stakeholders. / E / A/S
19. / Using project management processes, tools and techniques / E / A/S
20. / Experience of managing a range of projects at one time / E / A/S
21. / Experience of introducing or promoting a project management methodology / D / A/S
Education/Training
22. / Graduate level qualification or equivalent in a related area of Project Management / E / A
23. / Accredited Project Management Professional certification (e.g. Prince 2, MSP) / D / A
24. / Relevant post graduate or professional qualification / D / A
Other Requirements
25. / An enthusiastic approach and a commitment to delivering continuous improvement / E / S
26. / Be prepared to work in a flexible manner to meet the needs of the University, including travel within the UK and be flexible in working with external agencies / E / S

Legend:

E = EssentialA = Application Form

D = DesirableS = Selection process