At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting tech projects and transform legacy systems at Waterstones.
- Company: Join the iconic Waterstones team, a leader in bookselling since 1982.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology transformation in a beloved retail environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and technology transformation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the job
- IT Project Manager
- Permanent
Based in Burton Upon Trent with travel to Birmingham and London. (hybrid working with 3 days on site and 2 days at home)
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones.
You will lead the legacy platform replacement programme, particularly IBM i Series (AS400), ERP, warehouse management integration, merchandising or customer-built business-critical systems.
This is Phase 1 of a broader enterprise systems modernisation programme.
The role demands a unique combination of
- Technical fluency (integrations, data migration, legacy vs modern architecture awareness)
- Operational insight (understanding finance and operations processes)
- Hands-on delivery leadership
- Strong governance and risk management
- Cross-regional coordination (UK + US teams)
The successful candidate will own delivery, manage risk, and ensure successful go live.
- What you will be doing
- Programme Leadership
- Establish and maintain programme governance and reporting structures
- Experience leading complex, multi-workstream transformation programmes with significant organisational change impacts.
- Ability to develop programme roadmaps, manage interdependencies and align technology delivery with strategic business objectives.
- Experience mobilising project teams, third-party partners and governance structures within large-scale transformation programmes.
- Maintain RAID logs and manage escalations
- Chair weekly delivery meetings with UK and US teams
- Lead cutover planning and go-live execution
- Technical Oversight
- Work closely with Technical Leads to ensure architecture, integrations, and environments are fit-for-purpose
- Oversee data migration strategy and execution
- Ensure architectural decisions are validated and signed off
- Understand legacy AS400 / i Series constraints and risk areas
- Challenge vendor proposals and technical assumptions
- Operational Alignment
- Ensure ERP design aligns with business processes and operational realities
- Facilitate workshops with business SMEs
- Guide decisions on process redesign vs replication
- Oversee UAT cycles and business sign-off
- Balance operational needs against technical feasibility
- Data Migration & Cutover Governance
- Oversee early data profiling and cleansing
- Ensure migration rehearsals are planned and executed
- Define reconciliation and validation checkpoints
- Own data governance during cutover
- Cross-Regional Coordination
- Align UK and US teams on objectives, timelines, and responsibilities
- Work with project Sponsor to establish clear decision rights (RACI)
- Steering & Executive Reporting
- Prepare monthly steering packs
- Present risk, budget, and delivery updates clearly to sponsor and steering group
- Ensure Go/No-Go decisions are based on objective evidence
- What we need from you
- Significant experience in large, complex systems programmes
- Proven experience delivering technology transformation programmes within a UK or international retail organisation.
- Strong understanding of retail business processes including merchandising, store operations, supply chain, ecommerce, stock management, order fulfilment and finance.
- Experience operating within multi-site retail environments where technology changes impact stores, distribution centres and digital channels.
- Leading multi‑year, multi‑workstream transformations.
- Demonstrable experience leading legacy platform replacement programmes, particularly IBM i Series (AS400 type environments), ERP, WMS, OMS, merchandising or custom-built business critical systems.
- Proven track record of reducing technical debt through platform modernisation and technology transformation initiatives.
- Delivering replacements of legacy or core business systems (ERP, WMS, OMS, custom platforms, AS400-type environments)
- Managing cross‑functional teams and multiple vendors
- Strong technical background
- Understanding of systems architecture, integrations, APIs, databases, and infrastructure
- Experience working closely with Enterprise Architecture teams to define and deliver target-state technology architectures.
- Understanding of modern architectural principles including Microservices, API-first, Cloud-first and Headless application design.
- Experience delivering programmes involving platform decoupling and transition from monolithic architectures to modular service-based solutions.
- Experience with data migration and cutover approaches
- Ability to challenge technical decisions and translate complexity into clear plans
- Exposure to cloud platforms, modern integration patterns, and enterprise system design
- Proven programme and delivery management skills
- End‑to‑end ownership of programme planning, RAID management, governance, and budget
- Strong command of delivery methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid)
- Ability to run complex dependency management across tech, business, and 3rd parties
- Leadership and stakeholder management capability
- Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders and resolving technical‑business conflicts
- Skilled at driving clarity, decision‑making, and accountability
- Able to lead diverse teams through technical ambiguity and change
- Relevant qualifications or certifications
- (not essential but highly valuable)
- PMP, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2, or MSP for programme/project governance
- Scrum Master or Agile Delivery certifications
- ITIL for operational readiness and service transition understanding
- Person Profile
- Resilient and calm under pressure, capable of navigating competing priorities across a multi‑year modernisation programme.
- Highly collaborative, able to build strong relationships with engineers, vendors, SMEs, and senior stakeholders.
- Pragmatic and delivery‑focused, able to balance ideal architecture with real‑world constraints of legacy environments and operational pressures.
- A strategic thinker who can simplify complexity and communicate clear technical direction across both technical and non‑technical teams.
- Why work for Waterstones
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland.
Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982, and books are as popular now as the day we started.
Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 300 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings. , we meanwhile mirror the essence of our bookshops, further showcasing the unique enthusiasm and knowledge of our booksellers.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Waterstones is committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and is dedicated toward eliminating unlawful discrimination.
Our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel fully respected and to be able to give their best.
Diversity Statement
At Waterstones, we are committed to creating a workplace that is fair and inclusive to people from all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and we strive to promote an inclusive work culture.
We are working hard to ensure our recruitment processes are free from bias, and our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel fully respected and able to give their best.
Reasonable Adjustments
We understand that some disabled applicants may, due to the nature of their disability, find some parts of the recruitment process challenging.
If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the interview process, please make these known either to your interviewer or the person you liaise with when setting up your interview.
Information Technology Project Management employer: Waterstones
Waterstones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the heart of London. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to thrive while contributing to a beloved brand that has been a cornerstone of bookselling since 1982. The company provides ample opportunities for professional development, a supportive culture, and the chance to be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Technology Project Management
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Waterstones values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Waterstones might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Waterstones!
✨Direct Apply to Waterstones
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Waterstones website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Information Technology Project Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Waterstones.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Waterstones. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
