Project Manager

Project Manager

Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Smart Pension

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting projects to transform retirement and financial wellbeing for all generations.
  • Company: Join Smart, a pioneering fintech company dedicated to innovation and customer-first solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, extensive healthcare, and a £500 training budget for your growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and empowers every voice.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial sector while developing your project management skills.
  • Qualifications: Project management experience and a passion for problem-solving are essential.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

At Smart, our mission is to transform retirement, savings and financial wellbeing, across all generations, around the world.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Project Manager to lead the effective delivery of change into the Smart Pension Master Trust (SPMT).

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope and in accordance with business strategy and regulatory requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Leading local initiatives specifically for the SPMT.
  • Managing SPMT product changes through cross‑entity collaboration.
  • Leading workstreams within broader strategic business initiatives.
  • Sets direction through project governance and oversees all elements of the project delivery.
  • Align project scope and risks with core change drivers and the broader UK strategy to ensure high‑quality member outcomes.
  • Gives direction and manages business readiness for propositional, operational, regulatory and technology change.
  • Coordinate resources and set baseline standards to confirm that all readiness criteria are met prior to “go live” approval.
  • Manage and update project documentation, including status reports, RAID logs and detailed plans for several concurrent projects.
  • Track milestones and deadlines, providing senior management with early visibility into emerging issues or risks.
  • Cultivate relationships with internal stakeholders and third parties to align deliverables with requirements and facilitate a smooth transition to BAU operations.
  • Organise project meetings, develop agendas and monitor action items to drive efficient resolution.
  • Generate governance reporting, dashboards and management information for senior leadership review.
  • Embed a data‑led approach, utilising KPIs to substantiate business cases, inform strategic decisions and measure project delivery against intended outcomes.
  • Facilitate the integration of new initiatives into the Change framework while maintaining compliance with internal standards.
  • Improve change delivery through the development of enhanced tooling, templates and processes.
  • Utilise internal communication channels to promote project success and share delivery updates with the wider organisation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • Project management experience.
  • A recognised project management qualification or willingness to study (e. g. PRINCE2 Foundation, APM PMQ, PMP).
  • Experience working within DC pensions, financial services or professional services sector.
  • Familiarity with pensions legislation, scheme governance or regulatory frameworks (e. g. TPR, HMRC) desirable.
  • Professional and accountability, projects credibility.
  • Prepared to roll sleeves up and respond to changing business needs.
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
  • Creative problem solver with strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail. Ability to produce clear reports and correspondence for senior audiences.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Resolves issues using commercial and business awareness.
  • Proficiency in project management tools such as Confluence, Jira or equivalent.

WHO WE ARE

We work in partnerships with governments and financial institutions in the UK and internationally.

Our cloud‑native digital platform is revolutionising how people around the world think about, and save for, their retirement.

At heart, we’re a financial technology business.

What we do is all about innovation, and using the power of digital change to put the customer first.

Our Engineers will tell you that working at Smart gives you the opportunity to play your part in developing world‑class technological solutions, working with – and learning from – like‑minded people.

You’ll also find that, across our business, our colleagues love Smart’s culture, and how what we do means better financial outcomes for savers.

That feels worthwhile, and it means that what we do, collectively, goes way beyond the nine to five of a typical working day.

BENEFITS

  • 25 days’ holiday per year, increasing with length of service.
  • £500 annual training budget to spend on your professional development.
  • Extensive private healthcare, including dental, eyecare and EAP.
  • Enhanced sick leave (three months’ pay per year).
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity (maternity – 6 months fully paid/paternity – 3 weeks fully paid).
  • Death in service insurance cover.
  • Fully‑paid five‑week sabbatical after five years of employment.
  • In‑office wellbeing, such as manicures, massages and barbers.
  • Smart employees also enjoy a 50% discount on orders from our sister company Arena Flowers, Britain's most ethical florist.

They offer unique hand‑tied bouquets, luxury flowers, letterbox flowers, plants and gifts to spend on friends and loved ones or even for yourself.

At Smart, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work.

We believe that diverse perspectives help us lead the way in transforming retirement, savings, and financial wellbeing.

We welcome differences in background, experience, thinking, and identity, and we recognise that innovation is strongest when it is built on inclusion and fairness.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, we encourage you to let us know – we are committed to supporting you.

Our mission is to transform retirement, savings and financial wellbeing, across all generations, around the world.

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Project Manager employer: Smart Pension

At Smart, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and a collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including extensive private healthcare, a £500 annual training budget, and a fully-paid five-week sabbatical after five years. Located in a vibrant environment, we foster inclusivity and innovation, making it a rewarding place for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial wellbeing sector.

Smart Pension

Contact Details:

Smart Pension Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Manager

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Project Manager at Smart Pension!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Smart Pension or be willing to refer you for that Project Manager position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Smart Pension who’s on the lookout for their next Project Manager star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Project Manager role at Smart Pension!

We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager

Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Change Management
Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Data Analysis
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Smart Pension. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Pension

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Smart Pension. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!