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- Tasks: Lead exciting projects that drive positive change for lawyers and clients.
- Company: Join Linklaters, a top global law firm known for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering high-stakes projects in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in project management with relevant certifications required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a global organisation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Business Change Delivery team is an engaging, personable, and highly motivated team entrusted with the end to end delivery of strategic projects and programmes to bring about positive change for our lawyers, support staff and clients. Projects and programmes that our team delivers include strategy development, regulatory change, organisational design, merger & alliance, technology-enabled change, and business/process improvement projects.
As a key member of our team, you will work closely with senior leaders, our Project Management Office, colleagues in the broader Projects and Change Delivery Team, other members of the firm's Business Teams such as Technology, Finance, Marketing and HR and, of course, our lawyers.
Responsibilities
This is an exciting position in our Business Change Delivery and wider Projects and Change Delivery team for an experienced project delivery professional.
- Effectively shape and mobilise large, complex projects and programmes, identifying the resources needed, establishing the right governance, and building teams to deliver against agreed objectives and desired outcomes.
- Continually evaluate the alignment of changes with firmwide strategy, functional strategies, and the technology roadmap to protect and enhance the value of changes for the firm.
- Identify and initiate new projects as required within a programme structure. Lead other resources (internal and external), including other Project Managers, in a programme context.
- Develop appropriate target operating models (people, process, technology, governance) and plan for successful transition to 'business-as-usual', to ensure that change is embedded and sustained in the business in accordance with best practice and the firm's project delivery processes.
- Pro-actively manage project or programme stakeholders at all levels, identifying and mitigating risks dynamically and collaboratively.
- Develop and maintain all related project or programme documentation. Manage project or programme performance in accordance with the firm's project delivery governance arrangements.
In addition to core delivery responsibilities the role-holder will also be expected to:
- Coach Project Managers, Delivery Leads and other members of the wider Projects and Change Delivery team.
- Play a leading role in driving the continuous improvement of our project delivery practices, and support with other knowledge sharing and capability-building initiatives as required.
Skills
- Strong leadership skills, with a focus on meeting project objectives or programme outcomes, seeking trade-offs and alternatives when required to ensure success.
- Comfortable working and leading others in an ambiguous environment. Flexible and able to cope with changing priorities.
- An ability to manage stakeholders and communicate effectively at all levels - clearly and succinctly conveying ideas and options.
- A proactive and action-oriented approach, driving progress via self and others.
- An inclusive style, aware of the needs of, and supportive of, team members.
Other requirements
- A recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE 2 Practitioner or APM equivalent), programme management, or change management certification and demonstrated continuing professional development.
- Prior legal services or professional services experience.
- Clear thinking, able to provide sound decision-making and/or guide others, including senior stakeholders, under pressure.
Role Purpose
As a Programme Manager, you will be recognised as an experienced project delivery professional and a key member of the Business Change Delivery Team. You will be responsible for the end to end delivery of projects and programmes to bring about positive change for our lawyers, support staff and clients.
You will have a focus on ensuring that projects and programmes are delivered effectively, and that change is embedded and sustained in the business, in accordance with best practice and the firm's project delivery processes.
In doing so, you will work closely with our Project Management Office, colleagues in the broader Projects and Change Delivery team, other members of the firm's Business Teams such as Technology, Finance, Marketing and HR and, of course, our lawyers. In addition, you will be expected to regularly manage third party suppliers and consultants.
This is a great opportunity for people who have a desire to work in a global organisation, alongside senior leaders, delivering high impact business changes.
Examples of the types of projects and programmes that this role would be responsible for are:
- Strategy development / policy changes e.g. implementation of new practice / sector related strategies.
- Regulatory change e.g. associated with data and tax regulation.
- Organisation design e.g. shared service centre work, operating model design.
- Technology enabled change e.g. introducing new document management systems, advanced learning technologies, client relationship management tools, with a particular focus on working practices, change management and stakeholder management.
- Business performance / process improvement e.g. implementation of desktop tools and technology, initiatives to support greater function or practice integration / collaboration.
Key Dimensions and skills
- Responsible for managing all aspects of one or more complex projects or programmes through the lifecycle.
- Define a vision for the project or programme, agree desired outcomes and define and agree the approach to managing anticipated benefits.
- Effectively shape and mobilise large, complex projects and programmes, identifying the resources needed, establishing the right governance, and building teams to deliver against agreed objectives and desired outcomes.
- Continually evaluate the alignment of changes with firmwide strategy, functional strategies, and the technology roadmap to protect and enhance the value of changes for the firm.
- Ensure requirements are clearly understood, aligned with objectives and traceable to desired outcomes.
- Identify and initiate new projects as required within a programme structure. Lead other resources (internal and external), including other Project Managers, in a programme context.
- Plan realistically; apply rationale and pragmatism to prepare plans (quality, budgets, schedules) and estimate the effort required from others to achieve project objectives or achieve desired outcomes.
- Where appropriate, facilitate the selection of, and manage, third party project suppliers and consultants.
- Identify and implement change management interventions to effectively embed and sustain change in the business.
- Develop appropriate target operating models (people, process, technology, governance) and plan for successful transition to 'business-as-usual', to ensure that change is embedded and sustained in the business in accordance with best practice and the firm's project delivery processes.
- Manage stakeholders, keeping others included, supported, and involved at all levels.
- Oversee the budget, including spend to date, forecast to close, FY accounting and changes.
- Manage risks and issues; identify, plan, and mitigate threats in a dynamic and collaborative way, escalating to the Head of Projects and Change Delivery as required.
- Develop and maintain all related project and programme documentation e.g. business case, project initiation document(s), reports and change requests.
- Monitor performance, provide project or programme updates and support health checks in accordance with the firm's project delivery governance arrangements.
In addition to core delivery responsibilities the role-holder will also be expected to:
- Coach Project Managers, Delivery Leads and other members of the wider Projects and Change Delivery team.
- Play a leading role in driving the continuous improvement of our project delivery practices, and support with other knowledge sharing and capability-building initiatives as required.
Training and experience
- At least seven years' experience leading projects or programmes in a project environment.
- A recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE 2 Practitioner or APM equivalent), programme management or change management certification, and demonstrated continuing professional development.
- Budget control in a project environment.
- Prior legal services or professional services experience would be advantageous.
Leadership
- Success and results-oriented, seeking trade-offs and alternatives when required to ensure project success. Willing to have difficult conversations to ensure the right outcomes for the firm.
- Embraces accountability and sets an example to others.
- Clear thinking, able to provide sound decision-making and/or guide others, including senior stakeholders, under pressure. Comfortable working and leading others in an ambiguous environment.
- Consultative and collaborative in approach.
Style
- Good attention to detail and able to communicate effectively at all levels - clearly and succinctly conveying ideas and options.
- Proactive and action-oriented, driving progress via self and others and not easily diverted or distracted.
- Inclusive, aware of the needs of, and supportive of, all team members.
- Flexible and able to cope with changing priorities.
About Linklaters
Linklaters is a leading global law firm, undertaking the most important, challenging and complex assignments for the world's foremost companies, financial institutions and governments. We recruit and develop exceptional people empowering them to do and think differently. We serve our clients as a team, with a common focus on innovation, efficiency, and agility.
Business Change Programme Manager (FTC) in City of London employer: Linklaters
Contact Detail:
Linklaters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Change Programme Manager (FTC) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Business Change Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their strategic goals and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and led teams through change. This is key for a role focused on delivering positive change.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Linklaters.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Change Programme Manager (FTC) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and change delivery. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role requires strong leadership, share examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. We love to see proactive and action-oriented candidates who can drive progress!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, so make sure your ideas are easy to understand and well-structured.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Business Change Delivery team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linklaters
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects and programmes the company is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals, especially around business change and technology-enabled initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Business Change Programme Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams through complex projects, manage stakeholders, and drive results. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenges and made tough decisions in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management
Effective communication with stakeholders at all levels is crucial. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed stakeholder expectations or resolved conflicts. This will illustrate your ability to keep everyone on board and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will showcase your proactive approach and ability to adapt to changing priorities, which are essential for this role.
