At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape high-profile projects, ensuring delivery excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a growing organisation focused on technology and business transformation.
- Benefits: Autonomy in strategy, competitive salary, and a commitment to quality.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that prioritises excellence and values teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading complex programmes and building a top-notch team.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in project management and proven track record of success.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, UK
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Projects to lead our Project Services function and play a pivotal role in delivering high-profile customer and business transformation programmes. This is a senior leadership position responsible for defining and executing the Project Services strategy, leading a team of Project Managers and project specialists, and ensuring the successful delivery of multiple concurrent projects across the organisation. You will oversee the full project lifecycle, from bid support and planning through to delivery, governance, financial control, and customer satisfaction. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy leading high-performing teams, and have a track record of delivering complex technology and service programmes, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Define and implement the Project Services strategy aligned to organisational goals.
- Drive continuous improvement across project governance, methodologies, tools, and reporting.
- Develop and maintain project delivery standards, processes, and best practices.
- Partner with senior leadership to ensure projects deliver measurable business value.
- Lead, coach and develop the Project Services team.
- Build a high-performing delivery function capable of supporting business growth.
- Ensure projects are appropriately resourced through a blend of permanent employees and specialist contractors.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and delivery excellence.
- Oversee the successful delivery of multiple projects and programmes, ensuring delivery to scope, budget, quality and timescale.
- Manage project governance, planning, risk management, reporting and stakeholder communications.
- Chair project review meetings with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Drive proactive issue resolution and change management throughout project lifecycles.
- Identify opportunities for additional revenue through change requests and out-of-scope activities.
- Maintain full budgetary responsibility across the project portfolio.
- Monitor project performance, costs, profitability and resource utilisation.
- Ensure accurate project reporting, forecasting and invoicing controls.
- Support bid and pre-sales activities by providing delivery expertise and resource planning.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Act as a senior escalation point for project-related matters.
- Champion exceptional customer experience and service delivery throughout all engagements.
What We're Looking For
- Significant leadership experience within a project or programme management environment.
- Proven track record delivering large-scale, high-value and complex projects and programmes.
- Experience managing multiple workstreams, stakeholders and geographically dispersed teams.
- Demonstrable responsibility for project financial management, budgeting and commercial governance.
- Experience leading teams of 20+ project professionals and contractors.
Technical & Industry Experience
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience delivering projects within one or more of the following areas:
- IT Outsourcing Services
- Desktop and End User Computing Deployments
- Service Transition and Transformation Programmes
- Technical Infrastructure Implementations
- International Project Delivery and Transition Management
Leadership & Personal Attributes
- Inspirational leader with the ability to motivate, influence and develop teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and risk management capability.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Confident decision-maker with excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Able to influence outcomes across matrix organisations where there is no direct line authority.
- Strategic thinker who can balance operational detail with long-term business objectives.
- Highly organised, proactive and results-driven.
Tools & Methodologies
- Strong knowledge of project management frameworks and governance disciplines.
- Advanced experience using project management tools such as Microsoft Project and related reporting platforms.
- Experience managing programmes and portfolios in structured delivery environments.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to lead a critical function within a growing organisation delivering complex technology and business transformation projects. You'll have the autonomy to shape project delivery strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and build a best-in-class Project Services capability while working on challenging and rewarding programmes that make a real impact. If you're ready to take ownership of a high-profile project portfolio and lead teams that consistently deliver exceptional outcomes, we want to hear from you. Our vision and ethos have stood the test of time and we aim to exceed expectation and delight customers every time and our values are integral to the way we work together. Join a team that prioritizes excellence—our ISO 9001 certification reflects our commitment to quality and superior customer service. ESP Global Services is an Equal Opportunity employer!
Head of Projects - Reading, UK employer: QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD
ESP Global Services is an exceptional employer located in Reading, UK, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and excellence are at the forefront. As the Head of Projects, you will lead a talented team in delivering impactful technology and business transformation programmes, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to quality, reflected in our ISO 9001 certification, ensures that you will be part of a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and outstanding customer service.
Contact Details:
QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Projects - Reading, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. 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 projects. Show us that you understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your answers to highlight your leadership skills and project management expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your past successes in managing complex projects and leading teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the conversation to show you were engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Projects - Reading, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Projects role. Highlight your leadership experience and any complex projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in project management and how they relate to our goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your leadership style and how you motivate teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive success, so share your approach to team development and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the measurable outcomes. This will show your depth of experience and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Projects, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that showcase how you've motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and driven performance. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this is key for the role.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Since financial management is a big part of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting and commercial governance. Bring examples of how you've managed project costs and maximised profitability while ensuring quality delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is vital for this position. Think of instances where you've successfully built relationships with clients or internal teams. Be ready to explain how you communicate effectively and manage expectations, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
