At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major transformation projects and drive complex business change across multiple functions.
- Company: Join Aviva, a leader in financial services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on governance and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Extensive project management experience in financial services and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to support a high-profile strategic transformation programme within Aviva. This role sits at the centre of a major outsourcing and offshoring initiative and will lead governance, transition execution, operating model change, and delivery oversight across multiple functions and markets.
This is an opportunity to drive complex business change at scale, working directly with senior leadership to shape future operating models, improve efficiency, optimise cost, and ensure delivery remains aligned to governance and regulatory expectations. The Senior Project Manager will lead end-to-end transition and programme execution activities across outsourced and offshore delivery models.
The successful candidate will operate across governance, controls, stakeholder engagement, delivery assurance, commercial oversight, and transition management. You will work across business, operations, procurement, technology, and executive leadership teams to ensure successful programme delivery while maintaining strong governance and operational readiness.
Key responsibilities:- Lead and manage end-to-end transition delivery across multiple markets and functions into offshore captive centres and outsourced delivery partners.
- Establish and maintain programme governance frameworks, controls, decision forums, and reporting structures.
- Develop transition plans including milestones, resource planning, risks, dependencies, and delivery governance.
- Oversee major sourcing initiatives, outsourcing programmes, and contract renegotiation activities across BPO and ITO environments.
- Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and proactively manage issues, risks, and escalations.
- Drive change control and communication processes to maintain stakeholder alignment.
- Track budgets, benefits realisation, and value delivery outcomes.
- Ensure successful transition stabilisation including operational readiness, service quality, and knowledge transfer.
- Support capability development and training frameworks across transitioning functions.
- Prepare executive-level reporting and governance packs for senior leadership and ExCo audiences.
- Coordinate delivery partners, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure objectives remain aligned.
- Extensive Senior Project / Programme Management experience within Financial Services or Insurance.
- Proven delivery of complex outsourcing and offshoring transformation programmes.
- Strong governance, controls, risk management, and delivery assurance experience.
- Experience delivering transition programmes across multiple business functions and geographies.
- Executive stakeholder management and influencing capability.
- Strong commercial awareness with exposure to sourcing, vendor governance, and contract oversight.
- Experience operating within regulated environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
We’re looking for a highly credible programme leader who combines strategic thinking with strong execution capability. You should bring:
- Deep experience across transformation, operations, governance, and change delivery.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Confidence operating in ambiguity and fast-paced environments.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Resilience, adaptability, and delivery focus.
- Experience working with global capability and location strategy initiatives.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled operating models and associated governance considerations.
- Exposure to operating model redesign and procurement-led transformation programmes.
Senior Project Manager in Slough employer: Aviva
Aviva is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements that allow for a balanced professional and personal life. Employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities through engagement in high-profile strategic transformation programmes, while also enjoying the support of a collaborative team environment that prioritises innovation and efficiency. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to governance and operational excellence, Aviva stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Slough
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Aviva. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Aviva.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Aviva.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Aviva and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviva
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Aviva will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Aviva.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Aviva.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Aviva. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
