STPD - FTC - Project Manager - Director - SMBC

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. Who we are United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future. Role Summary We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to play a pivotal role in Project Horizon , our global HR transformation programme that is modernising HR systems, processes and ways of working across regions. Project Horizon is a key strategic initiative designed to deliver a unified, globally harmonised HR platform and operating model across the organisation. This is a Fixed Term Contract position with an anticipated end date of July 2028. The Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination and control of Project Horizon, SMBC's global HR transformation programme. The role provides the governance, controls, reporting, planning discipline, assurance and transparency required to enable successful delivery of the programme. The role is accountable for planning, coordinating and managing delivery activities across multiple workstreams, ensuring delivery remains aligned with agreed scope, timelines, budget and quality objectives. Provides independent challenge and oversight to ensure plans are realistic, dependencies are managed, risks are understood, and senior stakeholders have the information required to make informed decisions. The role acts as the central point of coordination for Workstream execution, working closely with Workstream Leads, Subject Matter Experts, vendors and business stakeholders to manage integrated delivery plans, governance activities, reporting, risks, issues, dependencies and change control processes. The Project Manager supports the Programme Manager by providing robust programme controls, delivery oversight and accurate audit-ready and decision-useful management information, enabling informed decision making and successful programme outcomes. The role owns the project control environment, including governance frameworks, integrated planning standards, executive reporting, RAID governance, change control administration, financial and resource tracking, KPI reporting, document management, audit evidence and quality assurance The anticipated salary range for this role is £102,000- £132,000, with the final offer determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision. Position Description Project Horizon is a global HR transformation programme established to modernise and standardise HR processes, operating models, data structures and technology platforms across SMBC's international operations. The programme aims to deliver a globally consistent and scalable HR operating model supported by modern technology solutions, improved governance, enhanced employee and manager experience, and more effective management information and reporting capabilities. The programme comprises multiple interconnected workstreams spanning business process transformation, organisational change management, technology implementation, data migration, testing, training, deployment and post-go-live support. Delivery requires extensive collaboration across Human Resources and IT in HO and multiple Regions Given the scale, complexity and strategic importance of the programme, strong project management disciplines, governance controls and delivery coordination are critical to successful implementation. Facts/Scale Operating Environment Operates within a large-scale, multi-year global transformation programme. Coordinates delivery across multiple workstreams and geographical regions. Works with senior stakeholders including Executive Sponsors, Steering Committee members, senior HR leadership and external implementation partners. Supports programme governance and decision-making forums. Operates within a regulated financial services environment. Key Stakeholders Internal - Prog. Dir, Prog. Manager, Workstream Leads, IT PMs, External - Consulting Partners, Technology Vendors, Third Party Service Providers Decision Making Authority The role has delegated authority to: Coordinate project delivery activities. Escalate risks, issues and dependencies. Facilitate resolution of delivery challenges. Recommend delivery decisions to programme leadership. Manage agreed project controls and governance processes. Accountabilities and Responsibilities Delivery Planning and Control Develop, maintain and manage the integrated programme plan Coordinate delivery activities across all workstreams Monitor progress against milestones and critical path activities Track project deliverables and ensure timely completion Support recovery planning where project timelines are at risk Governance and Reporting Coordinate project governance meetings and forums Prepare governance materials, reports and management information Produce project status reports for leadership and Steering Committees Maintain project action, decision and assumption logs Ensure project documentation is appropriately maintained and controlled Support internal audit and assurance activities Risk, Issue and Dependency Management Maintain project RAID logs and controls Monitor and coordinate mitigation activities Facilitate resolution of delivery issues and dependencies Escalate significant risks and issues to programme leadership Change Control Manage project change control processes Maintain project change registers Assess impacts relating to schedule, scope, resources and delivery Support evaluation and documentation of change requests Coordinate approval and implementation activities Resource and Vendor Coordination Monitor resource utilisation across workstreams Identify resource constraints and delivery impacts Coordinate delivery activities involving external partners and vendors Track vendor deliverables and commitments Support mobilisation and onboarding activities Stakeholder Engagement Establish effective working relationships across project stakeholders Support communication and coordination between workstreams Facilitate workshops, planning sessions and delivery reviews Readiness, Deployment and Implementation Coordinate readiness and deployment planning activities Support implementation and cutover preparation Monitor readiness criteria and deployment milestones Coordinate transition activities into operational support teams Support post-implementation stabilisation activities Knowledge, Skills and Experience Knowledge Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies. Knowledge of governance, risk and control frameworks. Understanding of change management and transformation delivery approaches. Knowledge of programme budgeting, planning and reporting disciplines. Understanding of operating within a regulated financial services environment. Skills Excellent project and programme planning skills. Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities. Advanced organisational and coordination skills. Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving capability. Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines. Strong facilitation and workshop management skills. High attention to detail and strong quality focus. Experience Essential Significant experience managing large-scale transformation programmes or projects. Experience coordinating multiple workstreams within complex organisational environments. Experience establishing and operating programme governance frameworks. Experience managing programme reporting, RAID processes and change control activities. Experience working with senior stakeholders and executive governance forums. Experience managing third-party vendors and consulting partners Desirable Experience of HR transformation programmes. Experience of global operating model transformation. Experience of HR technology implementation programmes, including SAP SuccessFactors Experience within banking, financial services or other regulated industries. Experience working across international and multi-cultural teams. Qualifications Essential Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience. Competencies Customer Focus Driving Change Driving Results Embraces Diversity Enterprise Leadership Judgement and Decision Making Risk Management Strategic and Visionary Trust and Integrity What we offer For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport