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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: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives while collaborating with diverse teams worldwide.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
Department: English Language Learning - Product (Assessment)
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 in London employer: Pearson Education
Contact Detail:
Pearson Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Specialist, Project Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 products. Understand their mission and values, especially in the English Language Learning space. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your project management skills in mock interviews. Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and how you've successfully managed projects in complex environments. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we do in English language assessment.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Specialist, Project Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Lead Specialist, Project Manager. Highlight your project management skills and any 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 tell us why you're passionate about English language learning and how your expertise can help us develop innovative testing products. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Project Management Experience: Be specific about your project management qualifications and experiences. Mention any relevant certifications like PMI or PRINCE2, and share examples of successful projects you've led. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex environments with ease!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Education
✨Know Your Project Management Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of project management methodologies like PMI, PMP, and PRINCE2. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in past projects, especially in complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Be ready to talk about times when you had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or manage ambiguity. Highlight your prioritisation and negotiation skills, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Product Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and other relevant products. Show your enthusiasm for the English Language Learning sector and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to product development and market strategies.