At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex projects that drive strategic transformation.
- Company: Join CSG, a leading local authority-owned trading organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, hybrid working, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and meaningful social value.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public services while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years project management experience and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid/Kings Hill, Kent
Salary/package: £45,000 to £55,000pa DOE
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Are you an experienced Senior Project Manager who thrives on delivering complex, high-impact projects? We have a fantastic opportunity to join Commercial Services Group (CSG), driving strategic transformation and supporting our mission to be the global leader in education and public sector solutions.
Who we are
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is one of the UK’s largest local authority‑owned trading organisations, operating 33 businesses across education, energy, IT, procurement, HR and more. With over 1,800 employees, our ambition is to create value and impact for every customer, every day. Our mission is simple. We support the delivery of better public services to help people live, learn and thrive. This purpose underpins everything we do. A significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services, enabling us to combine commercial performance with meaningful social value.
Why this role matters
The Senior Project Manager plays a crucial role in leading the delivery of strategic, complex and high-value projects across CSG. Sitting within the Business Improvement Team, you’ll shape business change initiatives that directly support our ambitious growth plans, strengthen collaboration across divisions, and enhance our ability to deliver world-class solutions for customers worldwide.
What you’ll be doing
- Manage and lead strategic, complex and large-scale projects for internal customers.
- Support business change management using structured methodologies: understand, plan, implement and communicate change.
- Coordinate internal resources and external vendors for flawless project delivery.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget.
- Define project scope and objectives in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Map, design and implement business processes from ‘as-is’ to ‘to-be’.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, tracking progress and dependencies.
- Identify, manage and escalate risks and issues to project sponsors.
- Control project budgets and manage approved change requests.
- Produce comprehensive project documentation, templates and regular highlight/status reports.
What we’re looking for
- Minimum 5 years’ proven experience managing and delivering multiple complex projects.
- A Professional Project Management qualification (APM or equivalent) is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of project governance, budgets, business cases and benefits frameworks.
- Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement and communication planning.
- Demonstrable experience in business process design and improvement.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills – able to engage diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in MS 365 tools, including Project, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive.
- Flexible, innovative, collaborative and highly self-motivated mindset.
What you’ll get in return
- Salary of £45,000 to £55,000 per annum.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 after four years.
- Birthday Day Off.
- One concessionary day during the Christmas period.
- Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution.
- Life assurance cover.
- Hybrid working.
Why CSG?
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions. We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies. CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.
Senior Project Manager in Kent employer: Commercial Services Group
Contact Detail:
Commercial Services Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CSG and understanding their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in delivering complex projects and driving strategic transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills through real-life examples. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you delivered results on time and within budget.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining CSG and contributing to their mission of delivering better public services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with complex projects and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at CSG!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about project management and how you can contribute to our growth plans. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage large-scale projects. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back on the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services Group
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your past projects in detail. Be ready to explain the challenges you faced, how you managed stakeholders, and the outcomes. This will show your depth of experience and ability to handle complex projects.
✨Master the Methodologies
Familiarise yourself with structured project management methodologies that are relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these methods in previous roles, especially in business change management. This will demonstrate your capability to lead strategic transformations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your skills in stakeholder engagement during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated and collaborated with diverse audiences. This is crucial for a Senior Project Manager, as you'll need to build strong relationships across various teams.
✨Showcase Your Tech Savvy
Since proficiency in MS 365 tools is important for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with Project, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Mention specific instances where these tools helped you manage projects effectively, as this will illustrate your readiness for the position.