Lead Project Professional

Overview:

The individual in this role will manage a small project, or a part of a larger, more complex project, (such as a particular work package), or will support a Project Manager or Head of Project with aspects of managing a larger project. The role may be that of a Control Account Manager with specific responsibilities for the performance of particular Control Accounts as part of the project's control regime.

At this level the incumbent may lead a small team of professional staff (typically up to 5), being responsible for managing their delivery and performance and providing appraisal and support to their development.

They will have a level of experience in one or more areas of PM practice and be expected to be able to adapt and apply these practices in different circumstances, to develop these practices and to guide and instruct others in their application.

Key Deliverables:

• Able to perform advanced project reporting & scheduling.
• Able to undertake advanced problem solving typically based on previous experience.
• Have a comprehensive knowledge of Business process and procedures.
• Administration and general office skills including spreadsheets/ Microsoft packages.
• Attend on the job training as appropriate.
• Able to lead a small project or a work package of a larger project.
• Able to manage the full project lifecycle to ensure that, over time, the needs of customers/users continue to be met and that financial and other benefits are achieved.
• Identify, assesses and manages risks to the success of the project. Applies appropriate PM methods and tools whether predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches. Agrees project approach with stakeholders, and prepares realistic plans (including quality, risk and communications plans) and tracks activities against the project schedule, managing stakeholder involvement as appropriate.
• Consolidate expertise from multiple sources, including third party experts, to provide coherent advice to further organisational objectives. Supports and promotes the development and sharing of specialist knowledge within the organisation.
• This is a role for an experienced project professional with a small team and the ability to deliver with limited guidance from the Line Manager.
• Deputises for the Project Manager as appropriate.

Key Skills / Experience:

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of PM policies, processes, procedures and systems.
• Comprehensive PM Experience demonstrated in a professional capacity and the specialist skills to ensure procedures are followed with the ability to define the standards which the others will operate. Guides others in application of Project Management processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their project.
• Comprehensive understanding of one or more Project Management tools techniques and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Business environment for their project.
• Good knowledge and experience of PM governance and assurance processes such as Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs)
• Typically an Assessor for LCM Reviews.
• Experience of influencing stakeholders both inside and outside the company.
• Comprehensive understanding of the wider PM environment, and of developments and practices in the field.
• Comprehensive understanding of own project/s, its markets, customers, strategic priorities and culture.
• Knowledge acquired through job related training and on the job experience with theoretical and practical skills
• Experience of building relationships and negotiating outcomes with internal stakeholders.
• Gathers and analyses information. Supports development of solutions and of implementation approaches.

Skills:

• Problem solving most likely to apply in an existing Business environment and also in a new Business environment.
• Good understanding of the structure, organisation, processes and culture of Line of Business, so as to be able to support implementation of appropriate PM approaches.
• Applies problem solving techniques to situations of moderate complexity in the field of PM, taking requirements and data from internal (project) sources and external (customer, competitor and academic) areas.
• An ability to gather information. Supports development of solutions and of implementation approaches.
• Ability to capture, adopt and share good practice
• A comprehensive understanding of how team integrates with others teams & projects in order to achieve objectives.
• Work is typically within standardised processes and practices, accuracy of tasks is impactful.
• Direct impact on the performance of the team.
• Responsible for training members of the team, monitoring their quality of work and contributing to pay decisions
• Quality and timeliness of work reflects on the effectiveness of the immediate team. Business acumen that goes beyond immediate team.
• Make judgments, recommendations and advises on analysis of factual information.
• Impact in terms of providing services/information on matters that assist others in controlling or making decisions.
• Job involves regular exchange of information and handling of difficult conversations.
• Communication exchange can be complex and could involve sensitive information.
• Diplomacy skills required in order to work across business boundaries to achieve optimum solutions.
• Will need to participate in negotiations and influence operational managers primarily internally at all levels.