Working at the Cumberland, you become part of something special. We're a Mutual organisation, committed to improving the lives of our colleagues, customers, and community. Our values are incredibly important to us.
In July 2024 we were awarded the highest possible three-star accreditation from Best Companies, given only to organisations that "truly excel" and provide "world-class levels of workplace engagement".
We're on an exciting transformational journey with our people firmly at the forefront of our plans. If you want to work for a team integral in helping to drive cultural change, a team where you can bring your whole self to work bringing your energy and creativity to make a positive difference, then this is the job for you.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager to support the end-to-end management of projects and ensure successful delivery of benefits within the agreed scope, budget and timescales.
The role will be working on a hybrid basis so you could be based anywhere but would be expected to travel to the Head Office in Carlisle twice per month on average (which is dictated by project activities).
The Benefits
- Salary - up to £48,477 p.a. - depending on skills and experience.
- Holidays - 25 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to buy and sell up to 2 days.
- Learning and Development opportunities - We want you to grow in your role. We'll work together to support your personal and professional development.
- Hybrid Working - the tools and equipment you need to be able to work from home when you need to, depending on your role.
- Health and Wellbeing - a calendar of events and activities throughout the year, Mental Health & Wellbeing champions, and Cycle to Work scheme plus a personal wellbeing day.
- Community Day - We offer our people an extra paid day off every year to help local charities and community organisations.
The Role
Main responsibilities include:
To deliver agreed project objectives
You will be tasked with managing, governing and controlling projects, in line with business strategy, working closely with sponsors, business owners and SME's to successfully deliver agreed outputs.
To plan & manage project activities & tasks
Effective planning and management of all relevant activities and tasks required to achieve the project delivery plan to the achievement of the overall project timescales.
To deliver all projects to the original timescales agreed.
To monitor and report project costs
Tracking of all project costs, ensuring any exceptions to the agreed project budget are reported and agreed.
To identify and manage project risks and issues
Identification and understanding of all risks and issues arising during the project, including management of the resulting controls and actions required to achieve satisfactory resolution.
To critically assess and report project progress
Regular and accurate progress updates provided throughout the Project Life Cycle.
Concise and relevant project reports and metrics to be provided to the PMO in a timely manner for upward reporting through the Project Management governance structure.
Effective benefits measurement, tracking and reporting.
To effectively manage stakeholders through the Project Life Cycle
Develop effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including third party management where appropriate.
Engage with the business to increase awareness of the key roles within a project and the responsibilities for each, including the role of a project manager.
To ensure all aspects of project governance are met in line with the Change Management Framework
Complete all Project Life Cycle documentation, as detailed in the Change Management Framework, to the required standard within the timescales agreed.
Ensure Change Authority have all the data required upfront to make informed decision during the meeting (e.g. Stage Gate approval requests).
Review the effectiveness of the Change Management Framework and suggest areas for improvement; assisting the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) to continuously evolve.
To support the PMO in the embedding of the Change Management Framework
Positively promote the Change Management Framework across the Society.
Identify where stakeholders require further assistance with the Change Management Framework and provide support to allow embedment of the Framework throughout the business.
Tracking and reporting of project costs to ensure the project is delivered within the agreed budget.
About You
You'll have significant previous experience in a similar role or progression from a Trainee Project Manager role. You'll be required to complete an APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) whilst in the role (unless you already hold a similar industry recognised qualification
We'd also love to see:
- Strong leader with excellent communication skills and sound decision making.
- A strong focus on project governance and reporting.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written).
- The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic awareness and understanding of the importance of projects and programmes within the wider business context.
- The ability to identify and effectively manage risks and issues.
- Effective organisation skills & the ability to plan for self and others to achieve project deadlines.
- Resilience and the ability to work effectively under challenge.
- Competent using Microsoft Office Suite (inc. MS Word, Excel, PPoint and Project).