Manager, Portfolio, Project & Programme Management

Manager, Portfolio, Project & Programme Management

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pacific Life Re

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-impact change initiatives and shape delivery approaches across the organisation.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at one of the largest longevity market companies.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, comprehensive healthcare, and wellness initiatives.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, inclusion, and continuous professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects and influencing stakeholders is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About PL Re – We are one of the largest and most experienced companies in the longevity market and are continuing our rapid growth internationally with offices across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Our global team, comprised of the best minds in the industry, are not afraid to disrupt and challenge industry thinking to provide the best Life, Critical Illness, Income Protection, Hospital Cash and Longevity reinsurance products and services possible. We pursue personalised, bespoke solutions for every one of our clients and our commitment to cutting‑edge technology reflects our ambition to offer the most sophisticated answers to the most challenging reinsurance questions. Working in some of the most complex and fast‑moving markets has taught us that knowledge and innovation must go hand in hand. By seeking to manage risk, rather than eliminating it, our team is always learning, researching and rethinking the best solutions to the challenges our clients face. As a young player in the reinsurance market, we celebrate our youth, agility and dynamism, while being backed by Pacific Life’s heritage of 150 years of strength and resilience, which powers our fresh and dynamic approach to the marketplace.

The Role

We’re looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex, high‑impact change initiatives across the organisation. This role goes beyond managing plans: you will shape delivery approaches, influence senior stakeholders, and drive outcomes in ambiguous and fast‑moving environments. Your key responsibility will be ensuring that change is not only delivered effectively but fully embedded and realised across the business. As a senior member of the Project Management Practice, you will also lead by example, support the development of others, raise delivery standards and contribute to the continued evolution of our PM capability. At PLRe we recognise the importance of people and invest in them through Power Skills to keep our workforce at the cutting edge.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead strategic business change delivery
  • Lead complex, high‑impact change initiatives across functions and geographies, shaping both delivery approach and business outcomes.
  • Shape delivery approaches, balancing risk, pace and value in complex environments.
  • Drive end‑to‑end ownership, from mobilisation through to implementation and embedding.
  • Ensure value realisation, tracking outcomes and benefits beyond delivery milestones.

Influence and align stakeholders

  • Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and sponsors, providing insight, challenge and direction.
  • Translate complex change into clear, compelling narratives to drive alignment and confidence.
  • Navigate competing priorities and influence decision‑making at all levels.

Lead people and develop capability

  • Provide line management and/or oversight to Project Managers and contractors, supporting their development and ensuring consistent delivery standards.
  • Coach and support others within the PM Practice, sharing knowledge and lessons, and promoting best practice.
  • Foster a positive, high‑performing, collaborative culture across project and delivery teams.

Drive value and continuous improvement

  • Ensure benefits realisation and value tracking, focusing on outcomes not just delivery milestones.
  • Identify opportunities to improve delivery approaches, tools and ways of working.
  • Actively contribute to shaping and strengthening the Project Management Practice.

What You’ll Bring

  • Extensive experience delivering complex, cross‑functional business change initiatives within medium to large organisations.
  • Demonstrable track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving strategic outcomes.
  • Strong experience in leading and developing project teams, including line management where applicable.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and make effective decisions under pressure.
  • Deep understanding of project and programme management disciplines, including governance, budgeting and benefits realisation.
  • Excellent communication and storytelling skills, engaging both technical and non‑technical audiences.
  • Experience working across global teams and multiple functions.
  • Familiarity with a range of delivery methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid).

Leadership & Impact

  • Acts as a trusted advisor to stakeholders and senior leaders.
  • Drives alignment across functions, geographies and competing priorities.
  • Builds capability and confidence within project teams and the wider PM community.
  • Contributes to the long‑term evolution of the Business Change capability.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a supportive, high‑performing and evolving PM Practice where development and knowledge sharing are part of everyday life.
  • Lead high‑impact initiatives that shape the future of the organisation.
  • Work in a collaborative, people‑first culture that values innovation, continuous improvement and celebrates successes together.
  • Access ongoing opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Working For Pacific Life Re

Every person in our global team is valued for the unique qualities they bring to our business and we seek to build their expertise and support their individual ambitions at every step. We work hard under pressure, but also know how to relax and have fun together. We host team‑building days to strengthen our team's connection and reflect on successes. Providing employees with a healthy work‑life balance is very important to our culture. We offer a wide range of employee benefits and host regular social activities and well‑being initiatives, and support our employees in their communities through fundraising, charity events and volunteering opportunities.

Benefits (Only For Permanent And Fixed‑Term Employees)

  • Leave: 25 days of annual leave with option to buy/sell more days. Adoption and fertility leave. Generous enhanced parental leave.
  • Healthcare: Comprehensive private insurance coverage for employee and dependents. Group Life Insurance coverage of 9x basic annual salary and Group Income Protection up to 75% of basic annual salary. Optical benefits.
  • Savings & Retirement: 15% combined employee/employer contributions.
  • Wellness: Subsidised gym membership. Access to Employee Assistance Program. Cycle‑to‑Work and Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme. Time off for volunteering. Charitable matching of employee donations.

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we will provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact us about your needs so that we can discuss suitable adjustments.

Manager, Portfolio, Project & Programme Management employer: Pacific Life Re

At PL Re, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a supportive and collaborative work culture, where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our extensive benefits package, including generous leave policies, comprehensive healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth, all within a dynamic environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping the future of reinsurance while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and engaging in meaningful community initiatives.

Pacific Life Re

Contact Details:

Pacific Life Re Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager, Portfolio, Project & Programme Management

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their projects and challenges, and think about how your skills can help. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.

Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your experiences in a way that highlights your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, it’s all about making a connection with your interviewers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and the company.

We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Portfolio, Project & Programme Management

Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Change Management
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Agile Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and influencing stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:Since communication is crucial for this role, use your application to demonstrate your storytelling abilities. Share examples of how you've translated complex ideas into clear narratives that drove alignment and confidence among stakeholders.

Highlight Your Leadership Experience:We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop project teams. Be sure to include specific instances where you’ve coached others or fostered a collaborative culture. This will show us you’re not just a manager, but a leader!

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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pacific Life Re

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and its role in the longevity market. Understand their products and services, especially how they approach risk management and innovation. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their needs.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading complex projects and influencing stakeholders. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you navigated ambiguity and drove strategic outcomes, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.

Communicate Clearly

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use storytelling techniques to explain your past experiences, making sure to engage both technical and non-technical audiences. This will demonstrate your excellent communication skills, which are crucial for the role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s future and its project management practices. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement and how they foster a collaborative culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.