Title: Principal Project Manager

Functional Unit: Programme Delivery

Reporting To: Programme Manager - Transport

Purpose

The purpose of the Principal Project Manager role is to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of each of these projects (from detailed definition through to closure) as the individual project requirements emerge from the ongoing programme strategy development.

Organisation

Part of the Programme Team for Transport, with responsibility for implementing and monitoring of projects within the overall Transport Programme.

Principal Accountabilities

•  To identify and engage with suitable project participants; to facilitate the development of consortia to deliver projects where appropriate; to develop research proposals, together with colleagues from Legal, Finance and Strategy departments, that deliver the required outcomes.

•  To negotiate project contract terms and conditions

•  To manage projects to ensure that defined performance, cost and time requirements are achieved that contribute towards realising the overall Transport Programme objectives using project management tools, methodologies and best practice. This will involve regular travel within the UK

•  To manage projects in line with audit and risk strategies.

•  Liaising with and influencing senior stakeholders from Industry, Local and Central Government.

Context

This is a key role in the Programme Team for Transport with responsibility for ensuring the Projects within the Programme are commissioned and delivered within agreed performance, cost and time parameters.

You will work closely with Corporate Services for financial, contract and legal and State Aid advice as necessary and will draw on the Programme Manager and Strategy Manager for specialist input as required.

Person Profile

The Principal Project Manager needs to be results orientated and self motivated with extensive planning and organisational skills, with substantial senior stakeholder facing experience.

Qualifications:

•  Degree level in engineering or science (or equivalent experience).
•  Relevant Project Management qualification/accreditation.

Experience:

  • Direct experience of research, development and demonstration project management.
  • Evidence of substantial experience in leading/delivering collaborative projects in excess of £1M to time, cost and required quality.
  • Substantial experience in managing internal and external stakeholders at senior levels. Experience of working with industry, local government and central government.
  • Procurement and contract negotiation in an innovative technology role
  • Budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
  • Project risk management.
  • Milestone review, stage gate review and deliverable acceptance.
  • Evidence of a broad technical background. Exposure to multiple industries would be beneficial.
  • Exposure to State Aid Regulations desirable.

Skills:

  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Proven leadership, team working and project management skills
  • Effective negotiation skills
  • Strong IT and communication (written and oral) and the ability to produce clear, concise and accurate reports/presentations.

Competencies:

  • Experience of strong relationship building with senior external stakeholders.

Other Requirements:

  • An outcome focused self-starter requiring very limited supervision to deliver within agreed parameters.
  • Organisationally aware.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changes in external constraints.
  • Willingness to travel within the UK as required