Competency Centre Manager in London

About Methods: Methods is a 100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet. We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them. Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio.

Role Specification: Reporting to the Senior Competency Centre Manager, the Competency Centre Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in developing, deploying, and supporting consulting talent across Methods’ IT Enterprise Services. This role ensures the team comprises the best talent, at the right time, in the right place, and at the right cost, while maintaining high utilisation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The Competency Centre Manager collaborates closely with Project Delivery, Sales, and Operations to drive recruitment, resource planning, skills development, and capability growth. They are accountable for delivering team plans, including headcount, budget, and performance objectives, while actively managing the professional development of consultants.

• Strategic Competency Development: Develop and execute a competency development strategy aligned with business goals and market demands. Identify skills gaps and emerging trends to ensure the team is future ready. Lead the annual team development plan, including training, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives. Collaborate with sales and delivery teams to align competency development with business opportunities.
• Recruitment & Talent Management: Build a recruitment strategy in close collaboration with sales and delivery to support the growth of the company. Execute the recruitment plan for the team, leading interviews and consultant assessments to build a high-quality pipeline of new recruits, in collaboration with our recruitment team. Build and maintain a steady pipeline of consultants and proactively recruit top talent in advance to meet future business needs.
• Performance & Utilisation: Monitor and optimise team utilisation, balancing bench strength with project demands. Support professional growth through coaching, feedback, and career development plans. Identify and address training needs to enhance team performance. Maintain an up-to-date skills matrix for visibility into team capabilities.
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Work with finance and operations to align budgeting and workforce planning. Support the development and promotion of service offerings based on team capabilities. Act as an escalation point for consultant assignments and professional/personal issues. Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture with a focus on knowledge sharing and mentoring.
• Compliance & Wellbeing: Ensure compliance with HR policies and guidelines. Promote wellbeing and support absence management. Monitor consultant performance and satisfaction, driving continuous improvement.

• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture. Encourage knowledge sharing through mentoring and training, while also supporting career planning and professional development. Maintain regular engagement with consultants to support their satisfaction and ensure everyone stays informed and aligned. Promote wellbeing and provide support with absence management. Ensure compliance with HR policies and guidelines. Monitor and track consultant performance to support continuous improvement. Promote diversity and inclusion.

This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a leadership, team management, or capability management role, preferably within consulting or the public sector.
• Strong experience in resource and team management, workforce planning, and bench utilisation management.
• Demonstrated success in recruitment strategy development and execution, including interviewing and hiring high-performing consultants.
• Track record of managing team budgets, headcount planning, and performance targets.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and build trusted relationships across the organisation.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop consultants at different career stages.
• Ability to deliver accurate, timely reporting across multiple stakeholders.

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy. By joining us you can expect:

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience.
• Being part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society.
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership.
• A supportive and collaborative environment.

As well as this, we offer:

• Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme.
• Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month as well as commitment to charitable causes.
• Time off 25 days a year.
• Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution.
• Life Assurance of 4 times base salary.
• Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included).
• Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependant included).

• Innovative Environment: Be part of a company that values innovation and excellence in delivering ITES solutions.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional growth and development in dynamic and supportive environment.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to success.