At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse projects, improve processes, and engage stakeholders to drive change.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on strategic transformation and positive workplace culture.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible working, health perks, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse applicants and promoting wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape impactful projects while enjoying a hybrid work model and great team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, business analysis, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
We are seeking an adaptable, structured, and insightful Project Manager to join our Group Services directorate on a 12-month fixed term contract to cover a period of maternity leave. This role offers a genuine opportunity to shape a busy and varied portfolio supporting the RAD’s strategic objectives and transformation agenda. With a strong focus over the coming year on reviewing and improving how we work, we are looking for a project delivery professional who brings a strong business analysis and process-improvement mindset. You will lead discovery, map processes, gather requirements, and help define future ways of working across technology, operational efficiency, and organisational development initiatives. Working alongside internal teams, international offices, and external suppliers, you will play a central role in embedding project management best practices and ensuring seamless transitions into business-as-usual operations. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for the right candidate, including part-time hours or flexible scheduling, for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Leadership: Manage end-to-end projects within agreed scope, time, cost, and quality parameters. Maintain full project documentation, establish governance (steering groups, boards), and lead lessons-learned reviews.
- Process Review & Business Analysis: Lead process review initiatives by mapping current-state processes, identifying efficiencies, facilitating stakeholder workshops, and presenting evidence-based options appraisals to support decision-making.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management: Build strong relationships across departments, international offices, and external suppliers. Support change management activities (training, communications, readiness) and contribute to monthly staff communications to promote transparency.
- Governance & Change Control: Support the Programme Manager in running the Change Control Board, assessing project-level change requests in line with policy.
- Risk, Budget & Resource Management: Proactively manage project risks and issues, monitor budgets, and coordinate cross-departmental and international resources.
Who You Are
- Proven experience managing end-to-end projects within structured frameworks (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile).
- Demonstrable experience in process review, business analysis, or business process improvement.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage comfortably with senior leadership and external partners.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities.
- Solid background in project risk, budget, and resource management.
Why work for us?
We are passionate about providing a positive workplace culture. Our accessible London (Wandsworth / Battersea) studios and offices are conveniently located, with facilities such as the Café and Library onsite. We operate a hybrid working model, normally 3 days per week on site and offer services to support flexible commuting e.g. cycling. We offer 25 days paid holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a birthday day off, contributory pension scheme, access to the Perkbox discounts platform, life assurance, WeCare scheme and a health cash plan including access to 24/7 online GP, counselling, an Employee Assistance Programme, health assessments and other wellbeing resources and perks and in-house free movement classes.
Due to the nature of the RAD’s work, the successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications which do not include a full employment history, and reference details will not be taken forward to the shortlisting stage. All colleagues are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the RAD's Safeguarding Policy at all times. We encourage and welcome applications from people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community. Please let us know if you have any access needs for the interview. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and bring relevant documents if invited to attend an interview. We are unable to sponsor people under the Skilled Worker scheme. No agencies please.
Project Manager (Maternity Cover) employer: Royal Academy Of Dance
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a prestigious organisation dedicated to inspiring the world to dance. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, RAD provides a 34.5 hour working week, generous annual leave, and a supportive culture that values inclusion and diversity. Located in the vibrant area of Battersea, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for HR professionals passionate about shaping positive workplace cultures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Maternity Cover)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Royal Academy Of Dance. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Royal Academy Of Dance.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Royal Academy Of Dance.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Royal Academy Of Dance and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy Of Dance
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Royal Academy Of Dance will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Royal Academy Of Dance.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Royal Academy Of Dance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Royal Academy Of Dance. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
