At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate projects, ensuring effective governance and high-quality delivery.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving positive change in the industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Here at DS Smith, we are looking for an experienced Project Manager / PMO Analyst on an initial 6 month FTC contract.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented Project Manager / PMO Analyst to support the Applications & Services I&T function in delivering our iHub platform programme. This role is central to ensuring strong governance, effective programme coordination, and high-quality delivery across a complex portfolio of work. You will play a key role in maintaining programme structure and oversight—ensuring that governance processes are clearly documented and consistently followed, deliverables are signed off appropriately, and all supporting evidence is accurately recorded and stored. Alongside this, you will support resource and access management, helping to ensure that both internal teams and external suppliers are enabled to deliver effectively.
As a trusted PMO partner, you will monitor programme progress, track key risks and dependencies, and produce high-quality reporting for governance forums such as Programme Board and Steering Committee meetings. You will analyse data to identify insights, opportunities for optimisation, and areas requiring attention from senior stakeholders. This role requires someone who can confidently operate at both a strategic and operational level—someone who understands the “big picture” of programme delivery while maintaining a sharp focus on detail. You will be a strong multitasker with excellent communication skills, able to collaborate across project teams, suppliers, and senior leadership.
You will also contribute to the continued development of the I&T delivery capability, supporting broader activities such as portfolio management and resource planning, and helping to embed consistent ways of working across the function.
Key Responsibilities
- Support programme governance by preparing reports and materials for key forums (Programme Board, Steering Committee, Supplier Board) and capturing meeting outcomes.
- Ensure governance standards, controls, and processes are consistently followed and maintained.
- Manage and maintain key programme controls, including RAID logs, change control, and delivery plans.
- Coordinate milestone sign-off and ensure all deliverables are properly documented with supporting evidence.
- Oversee resource onboarding, including supplier engagement, access, and equipment requirements.
- Support supplier management processes, including invoice approvals, SLA tracking, and compliance with contractual requirements.
- Produce clear and engaging internal programme communications.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and supplier leads to ensure consistency in reporting, documentation, and delivery approach.
- Support the preparation of senior stakeholder presentations and programme updates.
- Contribute to wider I&T Delivery activities, including portfolio and resource management.
About you
You will ensure the agreed project management methods, standards and processes are maintained throughout the projects lifecycle. Advise and assist project managers and team members in the application of project procedures, disciplines and recording and reporting standards and the use of Planview. Guide the Group IT Project Managers in the Framework and Project Management. Active role in the development of I&T Delivery and roadmap activities. Develop and implement appropriate procedures to ensure governance and standards are aligned. Co-ordinate the production of all reports and produce portfolio summary reports. Maintain portfolio risk and issue logs and change control records. Develop and support effective communication mechanisms in IT Delivery team. Maintain the portfolio documentation and minutes of project review board meetings. Monitor projects in the portfolio—milestone schedule commitments, resource commitments—and collect project information to update the portfolio. Distribute project portfolio information to executive management, directors, and other key personnel. Work with project managers to translate portfolio decisions to appropriate plans for and execution of the project.
Minimum requirements:
- Experienced Project Manager / PMO Analyst, ideally within IT programmes but this is not mandatory.
- Expert knowledge on data analysis – particularly using Power BI and ideally Planview (but this is also not mandatory).
- Experience of working across multiple projects and portfolios.
- Experience creating Project Plans, Delivery Roadmaps, facilitating workshops to align stakeholders.
- Experience working in environments where Delivery and Project plans need to be shaped.
- Producing high quality artefacts to support plans that have been created.
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Project Manager in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous development opportunities and a focus on sustainability, making our workplace not just a job, but a meaningful career path. Join us in our mission to redefine packaging for a changing world, where your contributions will be valued and recognised in a diverse and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in City of Westminster
✨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 Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their iHub platform programme and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in data analysis and project management during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve used tools like Power BI or Planview to drive project success. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨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 DS Smith and contributing to our mission of sustainable packaging solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a Project Manager or PMO Analyst. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've successfully managed projects, coordinated teams, or improved processes in your previous roles. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your achievements and responsibilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with governance processes and standards relevant to project management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the importance of structure and oversight.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since data analysis is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've used tools like Power BI to derive insights from data. Highlight specific instances where your analysis led to improved project outcomes or decision-making.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Effective communication is crucial for a Project Manager. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with diverse teams or presented to senior stakeholders. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly.
✨Be a Multitasking Pro
This role requires juggling multiple projects and priorities. Prepare to discuss how you manage competing deadlines and ensure quality delivery across various tasks. Share strategies that have worked for you in the past.
