At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a tech modernisation programme with planning, reporting, and coordination.
- Company: Leading organisation in the financial and commodities sector.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunity for hands-on experience.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on critical technology projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in project support, strong Excel skills, and ability to manage priorities.
We are partnering with a leading organisation within the financial and commodities sector to appoint a Project Support Officer to support a critical technology modernisation programme. Reporting directly to the Head of Technology, this role will play a key part in bringing structure, clarity, and coordination to a complex and evolving portfolio of work. This is a hands-on role requiring a highly organised and analytical individual with strong planning capability and advanced Excel skills. The initial phase of the role will focus on programme planning and structuring activity, before transitioning into broader delivery and execution support.
Details:
- Location - London
- Duration - Initial 6 months
- Hybrid - 3 days / week in the office
- Rate - £600 - £725 / day Inside IR35 via Umbrella
Responsibilities:
- Support the development of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), including structuring initiatives and supporting planning activities
- Build and maintain a comprehensive catalogue of technology initiatives, capturing scope, dependencies, and cost inputs
- Assist in organising and refining a large and evolving backlog of work, ensuring clear prioritisation and structure
- Produce high-quality programme reporting, governance materials, and meeting outputs for senior stakeholders
- Develop and maintain Excel-based trackers, plans, and reporting packs to support programme oversight
- Work closely with the Interim Head of Technology to bring clarity and organisation to a complex workload
- Collaborate with Project Managers and engineering teams to support programme delivery
- Take ownership of defined workstreams and provide flexible support across planning and delivery activities
- Identify opportunities to enhance reporting and processes, including the use of tools such as Power BI where appropriate
Key Experience:
- Demonstrable experience in a Project Support, PMO, or Project Coordinator role, within a technology or IT environment
- Strong planning capability, with experience supporting programme or project planning activities
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential
- Experience supporting governance and reporting processes within a programme environment
- Ability to work effectively in less structured, fast-paced environments, managing competing priorities
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, with strong communication and organisational skills
- Understanding of how to define, structure, and document scope for initiatives or projects
- Strong understanding of Power BI
- Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, or Microsoft Planner
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Project Support Officer employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a leading organisation in the financial and commodities sector as a Project Support Officer, where you will be part of a dynamic team driving a critical technology modernisation programme. With a hybrid working model based in London, we offer a collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee growth, providing opportunities to enhance your skills in project management and reporting. Enjoy competitive rates and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment while working closely with senior stakeholders.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial and tech sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project support roles. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your planning skills and experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! Create a portfolio that includes examples of your work with Excel-based trackers or reports. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and attention to detail, which are crucial for the Project Support Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Support Officer role. Highlight your experience in project support, especially in tech environments, and showcase your advanced Excel skills. We want to see how you can bring structure and clarity to complex projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your planning capabilities and your ability to work with senior stakeholders. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in tools like Power BI, Jira, and Confluence. If you've got experience with programme reporting or governance processes, make sure to highlight that too. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you on board!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Project Support Officer role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'Annual Operating Plan' and 'programme planning'. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with what they need.
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are a must for this position, be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel in detail. Bring examples of how you've used it to manage projects or create reports. If possible, practice explaining complex data in simple terms to demonstrate your analytical abilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle competing priorities. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, prepare to discuss your communication strategies. Think about how you've effectively collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have with governance and reporting processes, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
