At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects that enhance efficiency and safety in live operational environments.
- Company: Join Panda, a leading resource recovery business with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving operations and driving change across various teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale project management and enterprise systems implementation.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for a Senior Project Manager Business IT. This is not a traditional IT project role. This is about delivering real change in live operational environments working directly with engineering and site teams to implement systems that improve performance, efficiency and safety across our business.
The impact you’ll make
You will lead major enterprise system and business transformation programmes that improve how Panda operates across Finance, Commercial, Operations, Engineering and IT.
Your Focus Will Be Simple
You’ll take ownership of projects from concept through to implementation and adoption, ensuring solutions are embedded into day‑to‑day operations and deliver measurable business value. You’ll work closely with operational teams across our waste and recycling facilities, helping shape practical solutions that improve performance, scalability and long‑term efficiency. Your work will directly support Panda’s continued growth and operational excellence.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading major transformation delivery
- Deliver end‑to‑end enterprise business systems and process change programmes
- Lead ERP, finance, commercial, logistics and operational system implementations
- Manage complex projects from initial concept through to go‑live and handover
- Coordinate internal teams, suppliers, and implementation partners
- Deliver change in live operational and safety‑critical environments
- Spend time on operational waste and recycling sites across the UK
- Partner directly with engineering, operations and maintenance teams
- Translate operational needs into practical system solutions
- Support installation, commissioning and early life support activities
- Ensure systems are usable, safe and effective in real operations
- Driving stakeholder alignment
- Work closely with senior leaders across IT, Finance, Commercial and Operations
- Build strong relationships across technical and non‑technical teams
- Shape delivery plans, milestones and success measures
- Manage risks, dependencies and key decisions proactively
- Ensuring successful change adoption
- Prepare operational teams for system changes
- Embed new processes, controls and working practices
- Ensure smooth transition to business‑as‑usual ownership
- Drive user adoption and long‑term operational stability
- Delivering commercial value
- Manage significant project budgets and resources
- Ensure strong governance, reporting and delivery discipline
- Track benefits and measurable business outcomes
- Support continuous improvement across the project delivery function
What Success Looks Like
- Systems fully embedded into day‑to‑day operations
- Strong adoption across operational teams
- Measurable improvements in efficiency and performance
- Smooth transition into BAU ownership
- Transformation delivered safely in live operational environments
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who combines strong delivery expertise with a practical, hands‑on approach.
You’ll Likely Have
- Significant experience delivering large‑scale business or IT transformation projects
- A strong track record implementing enterprise systems (ERP, finance, commercial, data or operational platforms)
- Experience working in industrial, engineering, utilities, logistics, manufacturing or similar environments
- Confidence working directly with operational and engineering teams
- Experience managing complex programmes, vendors and multi‑disciplinary teams
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership capability
It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Project management certification (PRINCE2, PMP, Agile, MSP or similar)
- Experience in waste, recycling, energy or heavy industry environments
- Experience working in multi‑entity or multi‑country organisations
- Understanding of operational health and safety environments
Who You Are
- Commercially minded and outcome focused
- Hands‑on and comfortable working on operational sites
- Structured, pragmatic and calm under pressure
- A strong communicator who bridges technical and operational teams
- Confident working with senior stakeholders and leadership teams
- Motivated by delivering real business impact
About You
We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve.
At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost‑effective solutions that move our business forward.
We own what we do. From day‑to‑day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make.
And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.
Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
Senior Project Manager - Business Systems in Leeds employer: Panda Ireland
Contact Detail:
Panda Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager - Business Systems in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team at Panda.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in managing complex projects and how you've driven change in operational environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager - Business Systems in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in delivering large-scale business or IT transformation projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Panda, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience: Since this role is all about practical solutions, share specific examples of how you've worked directly with operational teams. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships across various teams. Make sure to mention any experience you have in managing complex programmes and engaging with senior stakeholders.
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 get you on board for this exciting journey with Panda.
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Panda's operations and values. Understand their approach to waste management and how they implement systems for efficiency. This will help you connect your experience with their mission during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led transformation in live operational environments. Highlight your ability to work directly with engineering and site teams, as this is crucial for the role. Use examples that demonstrate your practical problem-solving skills.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your stakeholder management skills. Talk about how you've successfully collaborated with both technical and non-technical teams in the past. Panda values strong relationships, so showing your ability to bridge gaps will set you apart.
✨Focus on Outcomes
Prepare to discuss measurable outcomes from your previous projects. Panda is outcome-focused, so be ready to share how your efforts have led to improvements in efficiency, performance, and safety. Use data and specific examples to back up your claims.