At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects for UK Government clients using innovative cloud-based solutions.
- Company: Dynamic consulting firm specialising in organisational governance with Microsoft technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: UK nationals only; must be eligible for Security Check clearance.
- Why this job: Make a difference by managing projects that shape public sector services.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience, plus project management qualifications like PRINCE2.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Company
We are working with a consulting and Product development firm specialising in organisational governance solutions powered by Microsoft technologies.
About the Role
A client-facing Senior Project Manager role responsible for leading the successful implementation of our cloud-based solutions for strategic UK Government clients.
Working collaboratively across client stakeholders and delivery partners, the role ensures effective onboarding, delivery of change work packages, solution upgrades and controlled transition into live service.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning of projects and deliver within the Project Delivery Framework
- Manage Project Teams of Technical Consultants & Developers
- Responsible for ensuring cross team collaboration
- Facilitate gathering customer requirements
- Prepare and Lead project meetings – internal team, and customer meetings; remote and onsite
- Create and maintain project plans, tracking progress
- Engage confidently with senior client stakeholders, delivery partners and internal teams to maintain alignment on scope, progress, risks, dependencies and decision points.
- Present onboarding plans & project status updates to clients
- Ensure project governance artefacts, reporting, decision logs, risk registers and assurance evidence are maintained
- Identify and manage risks and issues
- Manage and plan delivery within customer budget, and Purchase Order value, managing change to this where necessary
- Track and manage project budgets, forecasts, resource requests and reconcile actuals, supporting data input for client billing
- Planning and re-forecasting within the Team monthly rhythm.
- Knowledge of the working practices of PMOs
- Manage delivery in line with applicable G-Cloud contract standards, client governance requirements and agreed commercial obligations.
- Manage and maintain contract variations, quotations and associated approval processes, ensuring changes are clearly documented, commercially controlled and aligned with client governance expectations.
- Support the Account Director
- Identifying organisational change activities and ensuring these are incorporated into the planning
- Identifying potential upsell opportunities; new requirements and share feedback for review/action
- Provide relevant information to support decision making on risks, issues, escalations
- Produce client ready presentations in collaboration with Account Director
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent work experience
- Project Management qualification e. g. PRINCE2 Practitioner, APMG or equivalent.
- Organisational Change Management.
- Required Skills
- Client facing project delivery.
- Working with a range of Stakeholders.
- Experience delivering projects for, or in partnership with, UK Government or wider public sector organisations, including working within structured governance, assurance and stakeholder environments.
- Delivering projects within a Project Management framework.
- Using back logs and time boxing methods to deliver within commercial constraints.
- Creating and managing project plans.
- Planning and managing project budgets in line with purchase order values.
- Experience managing delivery within commercial frameworks, statements of work, purchase order values and formal change control processes.
- Coordinating and directing project team members.
- Experience in the implementation of business applications.
- Experience in working within IT; knowledgeable of deployment processes, RFCs and CABs
- Multi-tasking across multiple clients/projects
- Entering and managing data in the Project Management tool.
- Identify, tracking and managing Risks & issues.
- Use of Microsoft technologies.
- Portfolio Management experience.
- Experience in formal Change Management methodology.
- Working within a Customer Success delivery team.
- Preferred Skills
- Use of project Planning tools.
- Microsoft Project, Power Point & Excel
- Strong co-ordination skills.
- Strong influencing, facilitation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with senior client representatives, internal delivery teams and commercial stakeholders.
- Microsoft Planner Professional
- Microsoft Power Apps
- Pro Sci training and experience
- Pay range and compensation package
Due to contractual and security requirements associated with this role on this occasion, UK nationals only (dual nationals are not eligible) candidates must be capable of obtaining and maintaining Security Check (SC) clearance.
Project Manager employer: Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group
As a leading Microsoft consultancy, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and continuous learning. Our Technical Copilot Trainer role offers not only the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge AI technologies but also provides a clear pathway for career advancement into AI Consulting or Solution Architecture. With a hybrid working model based in London, employees benefit from a collaborative environment while enjoying the flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives.
Contact Details:
Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Project Manager at Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group or be willing to refer you for that Project Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group who’s on the lookout for their next Project Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Project Manager role at Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Cognitive Group | Part of the Focus Cloud Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!