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- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in English language assessment and product development.
- Company: Join a global leader in English language learning with a mission to empower learners.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and government agencies in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners worldwide while developing innovative testing products.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
In the English Language Learning business unit, we aspire to become the world's leading destination to learn and prove English language skills. Our main focus is on committed learners from around the world, who are motivated by outcomes because they want to reach their full potential through learning English.
You'll join the team responsible for one of our key established products -- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, known globally in Higher Education and as a recognised test for immigration and visa purposes - as well as innovative new tests, such as PTE Express.
The opportunity involves supporting the development of existing testing and assessment products, as well as bringing further new products to market. The role will also involve supporting the management of our relationships with government agencies, e.g. UK Home Office, Department of Home Affairs (Australia) and the IRCC (Canada). Working with senior stakeholders, product owners, technical specialists, other project managers, as well as client-facing teams, the role-holder will also assume responsibility for additional projects that develop or maintain our licences to operate/compete and ensure our regulatory and legal compliance.
You will be:
- an effective and assured Project Manager with excellent project management skills and strong leadership qualities
- comfortable working in a complex, global, matrix stakeholder environment, working across time-zones and different organisational units
- an expert, qualified Project Manager (e.g. PMI/PMP/PRINCE2 Practitioner, PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner (or equivalent)) qualified, with significant, proven experience of successful project delivery and embedding change with customers and internal teams
- knowledgeable (or qualified) in the management of Agile, lean, rapid product prototyping, etc. techniques, as well as comfortable in governance-led project management activities in regulated environments
The role-holder will additionally:
- have a strong governance mindset, able to run meetings and effectively communicate with a wide variety of project stakeholders
- exhibit flexibility, with strong prioritisation and negotiation skills
- be able to respond quickly to manage emerging risks and issues and be comfortable managing ambiguity in evolving delivery contexts
- be used to managing project budgets and developing business cases
Demonstrable experience of working with government agencies in the UK or in Australia, Canada, New Zealand is highly desirable, but equivalent experience will be considered. Experience of working in a testing/assessment/education environment would also be strongly advantageous.
The role-holder will report to the Lead (Program Management) role-holder and will also be expected to work seamlessly with the 5-6 member team of Project Managers/specialists that also work within the Quality & Projects team within the Assessments unit on other projects and special assignments.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to support global collaboration. Location: UK (London preferred / Hybrid); occasional international travel may be required.
Lead Specialist, Project Manager employer: Pearson Education
Contact Detail:
Pearson Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Specialist, Project Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your project management successes. We love seeing real examples of how you've led projects, managed teams, and delivered results. This can really set you apart from other candidates!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in English language learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Specialist, Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your project management skills and any relevant experience with government agencies or in the education sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about English language learning and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific projects you've managed that relate to our work.
Showcase Your Qualifications: If you have qualifications like PMI, PMP, or PRINCE2, make them stand out! We love seeing certified professionals who can bring their expertise to our projects. Don’t forget to mention any Agile or lean techniques you’re familiar with.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and its significance in the education and immigration sectors. Brush up on the latest trends in English language assessment and be ready to discuss how your project management experience aligns with these.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership qualities and project management skills. Think about times when you successfully led a team through complex projects, especially in regulated environments, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders you’ll be working with, such as government agencies. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past, particularly in a global context.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
Since the role requires managing ambiguity and responding to emerging risks, think of examples where you’ve had to adapt quickly to changes in project scope or stakeholder needs. Highlight your experience with Agile methodologies and how they’ve helped you deliver successful outcomes.