At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a new Digital HR solution from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading Aerospace and Defence supplier in Reading.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £87.16 p/h, flexible working, and contract until November 2026.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a small team and grow your career in a high-stakes industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while managing exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Must be a British national with SC Clearance and proven project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client, an Aerospace and Defence supplier is looking for a Project Manager to join them on a contract basis at their site in Reading. Due to the nature of the role, applicants must be sole British nationals and hold SC Clearance. Contract initially until November 2026, 3 days per week onsite in Reading, 87.16 p/h Umbrella, inside IR35.
Role Description
The Project Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of a new Digital HR solution, leading activity from RFP and supplier selection through implementation, go-live, and transition into operations. The role requires a hands-on, adaptable Project Manager who is comfortable working in a small team environment and able to operate at all levels - from drafting procurement documentation to managing senior stakeholders. While the primary focus is the HR solution, the role may also support other project management activities outside HR as required.
Key Accountabilities
- End-to-End Project Delivery
- Lead delivery of the Digital HR solution across the full lifecycle: RFP and supplier selection, Mobilisation and implementation, Go-live, hypercare, and transition to BAU operations.
- Establish and maintain effective project governance, plans, controls, and reporting.
- Manage scope, schedule, budget, risks, issues, and dependencies.
- RFP & Supplier Selection
- Own the schedule for and support the RFP process, including drafting and coordinating RFP documentation as required.
- Managing inputs from HR, Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Technical teams.
- Supplier evaluation, moderation, and selection.
- Work closely with Finance, Commercial, Procurement, and Architecture teams to ensure compliance with sourcing and contractual requirements and a compliant, value-for-money supplier appointment.
- Support contract award and mobilisation of the chosen delivery partner.
- Delivery Partner Management
- Act as the primary day-to-day client lead for the selected delivery partner.
- Set and manage delivery partner performance expectations against agreed plans, milestones, and contractual obligations.
- Drive issue resolution, escalation, and recovery where required.
- Work proactively with the delivery partner to minimise dependencies and mitigate delivery risks.
- Ensure delivery outputs meet agreed timelines, quality, architectural, and security standards.
- Ensure the solution aligns with customer expectations and requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
- Lead engagement with key corporate functions, including Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Programme Assurance.
- Ensure the project aligns with governance, delivery, architecture, and security processes.
- Maintain a strong, open, and constructive relationship with the Head of HR to enable timely resolution of delivery-related issues.
- Manage senior stakeholders through clear communication, transparency, and effective decision-making forums.
- Lead the PI Planning aspects associated with this solution.
- Collaboration with Architecture & Product
- Work closely with the Solution Architect to ensure delivery aligns with approved architecture and technical standards.
- Partner with the Product Owner to align delivery priorities with HR business needs and outcomes.
- Ensure business requirements are translated into deliverable, governed work packages.
- Transition to Operations
- Lead planning and execution of cutover and go-live, hypercare and stabilisation, operational handover and service acceptance.
- Ensure operational readiness, documentation, and ownership are in place before transition to BAU.
- Flexibility & Wider Contribution
- Operate flexibly within a small team, contributing beyond a traditional PM remit where required.
- Be prepared to support non-HR project activities as priorities dictate.
- Balance hands-on delivery tasks with senior stakeholder management.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience as a Project Manager delivering COTS and/or Digital SaaS HR solutions.
- Demonstrated delivery of at least two HR implementations from RFP through to live operation.
- Experience leading RFPs, supplier selection, and contract mobilisation.
- Strong experience managing external delivery partners and systems integrators.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including engagement at executive level.
- Strong understanding of project governance, financial controls, and assurance processes.
- Experience working in Agile, Hybrid, or structured delivery environments.
- Comfortable working across discovery, delivery, and operational phases.
- Experience with Azure DevOps.
- Familiar with working within security and assurance frameworks.
Desirable
- Experience working in small or lean delivery teams.
- Experience delivering technology solutions in complex or regulated environments.
- Familiarity with SaaS-based enterprise solutions.
Project Manager. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a leading Aerospace and Defence supplier in Reading as a Project Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative Digital HR solutions. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values adaptability and hands-on engagement, offering competitive pay and the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic environment. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide unique opportunities for career advancement while ensuring a supportive atmosphere that encourages teamwork and open communication.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Knowing their recent achievements or challenges can help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Project Manager role, especially your work with Digital HR solutions. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing stakeholders and delivering projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager. Job in Reading LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with Digital HR solutions and any relevant RFP processes. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on experience and how you’ve successfully managed stakeholders in previous projects.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've delivered projects on time and within budget, especially in HR implementations. We love numbers and results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Project Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your project management methodologies, especially Agile and Hybrid approaches. Be ready to discuss your experience with COTS and Digital SaaS HR solutions, as well as any specific projects you've led from RFP to live operation.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication strategies and how you’ve maintained transparency and effective decision-making forums. This will show that you can handle the corporate functions involved in the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires operating flexibly within a small team, think of instances where you've contributed beyond your traditional PM remit. Share how you've adapted to changing priorities and supported non-HR project activities when needed.
✨Understand the Technical Side
Familiarise yourself with Azure DevOps and any relevant security and assurance frameworks. Being able to discuss how you’ve worked with technical teams and ensured compliance with architectural standards will set you apart from other candidates.
