At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global IT and security projects, ensuring successful delivery and governance.
- Company: Join a leading company focused on technology transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on mentoring and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving strategic change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project management, especially in IT and security programmes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly capable Senior Project Manager to join our IS&S Delivery function, playing a critical role in delivering complex, business-critical technology programmes across DS Smith. This is a high-impact, global role where you will lead the successful delivery of infrastructure, security and service transformation initiatives, working across multiple regions and business units. You will operate at the heart of our technology organisation, driving projects that enable strategic change while ensuring robust governance, risk management and delivery excellence. Specific knowledge around Identity Access Management tooling and implementation, specifically CyberArk, would be highly advantageous.
As a senior member of the delivery team, you’ll be accountable for managing large-scale, multi-stream programmes with complex interdependencies, engaging senior stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals. You’ll also play a key leadership role, supporting and mentoring other project managers and contributing to the continuous improvement of delivery practices.
Key Responsibilities- Project & Programme Delivery
- Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, global IT and security projects across multiple workstreams
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring alignment to strategic programmes and business objectives
- Manage interdependencies, timelines and deliverables across internal teams and third-party partners
- Governance, Risk & Performance
- Own project governance, ensuring delivery in line with DS Smith methodologies and standards
- Proactively identify, assess and mitigate risks, issues and dependencies
- Track and report project performance through established governance forums and programme boards
- Financial & Resource Management
- Manage project budgets and resource allocation, ensuring effective use of investment
- Oversee internal, external and vendor resources to ensure delivery outcomes are achieved
- Stakeholder & Leadership Engagement
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across business and technology functions
- Provide clear, confident communication on project progress, risks and outcomes to executive audiences
- Act as a trusted advisor, influencing decision-making and driving alignment across complex stakeholder groups
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead, coach and mentor project managers and delivery teams, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture
- Contribute to the development of delivery capability, best practices and continuous improvement initiatives
- Vendor & Compliance Management
- Manage third-party vendors and partners, ensuring compliance with procurement and governance processes
- Support security, audit and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory and organisational standards
You are a seasoned project delivery professional with a track record of leading complex programmes in global environments. You are equally comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing risk, and influencing at senior levels.
Experience & Expertise- Proven experience delivering large-scale IT, infrastructure or security programmes with multiple stakeholders and workstreams
- Strong experience in project governance, budgeting, risk management and programme reporting
- Experience in IAM tooling and implementation, specifically CyberArk
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional, multi-cultural teams across geographies
- Experience working within complex organisational structures and driving change at scale
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at executive level
- Strong leadership capability, with a passion for developing people and building high-performing teams
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to balance competing priorities and deliver results in fast-paced environments
- Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Professional certifications such as PRINCE2, MSP, APM or equivalent
- Experience with Agile, SAFe or Lean delivery methodologies
Senior Project Manager in London employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Project Manager, you will not only lead transformative projects but also have access to extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring your growth within a supportive culture that values teamwork and excellence. Our global presence allows for diverse experiences and the chance to make a significant impact across multiple regions, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of your past projects and how you’ve tackled challenges. This is your moment to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Project Manager role.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to your advantage. Update your profile to reflect your latest achievements and connect with recruiters. Don’t forget to engage with content related to project management and technology to keep yourself visible in the right circles.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining our team at DS Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Project Manager. Highlight your experience with large-scale IT and security programmes, especially any work with CyberArk or IAM tooling. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your project delivery successes and how you've managed complex interdependencies. Show us your leadership style and how you’ve influenced stakeholders in past roles.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on project outcomes. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand your past projects, especially those that align with the role. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you managed risks, and the outcomes of your initiatives. This will show your depth of experience and ability to lead complex programmes.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves engaging senior stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships and influenced decision-making in previous roles. Think about times when you had to communicate project progress or manage expectations, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Senior Project Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to mentoring and coaching other project managers. Share specific instances where you fostered a high-performing team culture and contributed to continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Given the emphasis on Identity Access Management tooling, particularly CyberArk, brush up on your technical knowledge in this area. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have with IAM tools and how they fit into larger security and infrastructure projects.
