Head of Strategic Projects

We are recruiting an experienced Head of Strategic Projects to join our vibrant and inclusive team. The successful applicant will lead on all project delivery activities and processes required across the organisation.

The Strategic Delivery Team works across Mencap to provide a range of Project and Programme Management, Risk Management, PMO and Operational Reporting support which underpin our next strategic plan. You’ll have experience of applying best practice project and programme methodologies to deliver multi-million pound initiatives and large-scale organisational change, demonstrating tangible benefits in a complex organisation.

This position is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week over Monday – Friday. This is a permanent position. It is based from home, with occasional travel (approx. 1 trip per month to either Peterborough or our London Office).

Main Duties:

• Provide leadership to the project delivery function within the Strategic Delivery Team.
• Work with Exec Sponsors and project teams (including external suppliers) to establish the required project governance, supporting stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a project.
• Manage the external project delivery partner framework to ensure projects are appropriately resourced with required capacity and skillsets.
• Provide line management and resource management for the internal team of project and programme managers and business analysts, ensuring support for their development through coaching and wider support.
• Set project and business analysis standards, ensuring the uptake of project management and business analysis processes across the organisation, as well as ensuring external best practice is applied.
• Manage, plan and sequence the pipeline of projects within the portfolio.
• Lead on the financial planning for projects in collaboration with the Finance Partner.
• Work with the PMO to provide assurance on delivery practice and to agree continuous improvements both within the team and the wider organisation.
• Where needed the role will also provide hands-on programme and project management expertise and support in the delivery of initiatives.
• Deputise for the Director of Strategic Delivery in supporting their wider responsibilities of operational reporting, PMO, corporate risk management and strategy development.

What are we looking for?

• Significant knowledge & experience of successfully managing major projects and programmes from inception through to closure.
• Knowledge and experience of producing high-quality project and business analysis artefacts.
• Line management experience and who has experience in coaching and developing other team members.
• Knowledge and experience of change management approaches.
• Experience of budget management.
• Experience of working with Executive-level sponsors and in presenting to Exec Team and Trustee committees (such as an Audit and Risk Committee).
• Experience of the management of external parties via the relevant procurement processes.
• Experience of leading and managing multi-disciplinary project teams, achieving results through influencing.
• Strong IT skills in project planning software, teams and SharePoint and other Office applications.
• Experience of undertaking major initiatives in Public Sector / Charity Sector.
• Professional programme or project management qualification (e.g. Managing Successful Programmes).
• Professional Business Analysis experience or qualification.

We’re looking for people who can demonstrate experience and expertise. If this sounds like you, please don’t hesitate to apply.

This role will close on Tuesday 26th August and interviews will take place between the 8th – 10th September.

At Mencap, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and we intentionally plan for the success of our colleagues in everything we do. We welcome applications from everyone, so come as you are and join us. Together we are Mencap! We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants with disabilities to apply for all roles with us.

Benefits:

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.