Project Manager

Position overview

ACER International UK (ACER UK) is part of the ACER Group of companies and provides expert advice and services in assessment and learning to a number of government and non-government organisations in the UK and internationally. Current clients include the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the World Bank and national governments in Africa under a grant agreement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). ACER is regarded as one of the world’s leading expert organisations in assessment and promoting innovation in learning for all ages.

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, delivery and management of projects to ensure outcomes are achieved in accordance with agreed scope, timelines, budgets and quality standards. Working collaboratively with project teams, clients and stakeholders, the role oversees all aspects of project delivery and contributes to the successful implementation of ACER's education, assessment and research programs.

The role is responsible for managing multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously, supporting project governance and stakeholder engagement activities, and contributing to the continuous improvement of project management practices across ACER.

Please note: Candidates must be based in the UK and hold valid working rights to work in the United Kingdom.

Position context

The Project Manager is part of ACER UK's project management team and plays a key role in the successful delivery of national and international assessment, education and research projects.

The position supports a diverse portfolio of projects, including government-funded assessment programs, university entrance testing initiatives, education research projects and large-scale assessment trialling activities. Working closely with project directors, researchers, test developers and operational teams, the Project Manager is responsible for coordinating project activities, managing project risks and ensuring high-quality client outcomes.

The role contributes to the growth and sustainability of ACER UK's project portfolio by supporting effective project delivery, maintaining stakeholder relationships and contributing to business development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Job responsibilities

• Lead project start-up, planning, delivery and closure activities in accordance with ACER's Project Management Framework.
• Deliver projects to agreed scope, quality, timelines and budget requirements.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, resource plans, risk registers and other project artefacts.
• Monitor project progress and proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies and project changes.
• Coordinate project activities across multidisciplinary teams to support successful project delivery.
• Manage relationships with clients, suppliers, partners and internal stakeholders.
• Produce and present high-quality project reports, governance papers and status updates for stakeholders, senior management and project boards.
• Support the delivery of large-scale assessment, trialling and operational projects, including government-funded and university entrance testing programs.
• Provide an interface between business and technical stakeholders, ensuring shared understanding of project requirements and deliverables.
• Produce proposal artefacts, including project approaches, timelines, resource plans, risk assessments and financial information to support tender and business development activities.
• Contribute to quality assurance, continuous improvement and project management capability development across ACER.
• Mentor and support less experienced project management staff where appropriate.

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:
  • Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
  • Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
  • Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
  • Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
  • Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
  • Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System
• Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures

Education

A bachelor degree or post graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in Project Management or a similar field is essential.

Formal training and/or certification in a business analysis, project management or process mapping discipline will be highly regarded.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Significant project management experience, preferably within a matrix management environment.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex projects across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of project management disciplines, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, procurement, quality, stakeholder and resource management.
• Experience producing and presenting high-quality project documentation, reports and governance artefacts for a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders and project boards.
• Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking capability, including the ability to navigate complex issues and facilitate effective outcomes.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to influence, coordinate and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to remain calm, adaptable and solution-focused when managing competing demands, tight deadlines and project risks.

Desirable

• Experience working within an education, assessment, research or government environment.
• Experience using recognised project management methodologies such as Prince2, Agile or Scaled Agile.
• Experience supporting large-scale assessment, trialling, testing or operational delivery projects.
• Experience contributing to proposal development, tender submissions and business development activities.
• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of less experienced project management staff.
• Experience working across international or multi-jurisdictional projects.

Applications Close: Friday, 4 September 2026