At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex projects that drive strategic transformation.
- Company: Join the UK's largest local authority-owned trading company, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, life assurance, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and public services while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and social impact.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Commercial Services Group is one of the leading providers of procurement and support services to education and public sector customers globally. Serving over 15,000 customers, CSG is committed to providing an excellent customer and user experience underpinned by social value and a committed and empowered workforce.
Location: West Malling/Hybrid
Salary/package: £45,000-£55,000 per annum
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 the UK's largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO). We support over 16,000 education and public sector customers across the UK and internationally, generating over £800 million in revenue annually. As part of the Corporate Services Division, you'll be part of a fast-growing organisation that reinvests profits into frontline public services, combining commercial performance with real social impact.
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 - £55,000 per annum
- 25 days annual leave, plus your birthday off
- Life assurance cover (4x salary)
- Pension scheme with up to 6% employer contribution
- Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
- Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
- Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress
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.
Inclusion please let us know if you require any.
Senior Project Manager 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CSG thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly demonstrate your experience managing complex projects and engaging stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining CSG and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager
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 what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at CSG. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your project management skills. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work – we love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
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 STAR Technique
Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure your answers. This method helps you clearly articulate your experiences and demonstrates your problem-solving skills effectively, which is crucial for a Senior Project Manager role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CSG's Values
Research Commercial Services Group’s mission and values. Understanding their commitment to social impact and customer experience will allow you to align your answers with their goals, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have insightful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their project management methodologies or how they measure success in their projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.