This role is instrumental in supporting the implementation and adoption of new processes and procedures within our expanded PMO team whilst providing crucial support to our growing team of project professionals. Reporting to the Head of Projects and Programmes for UK & Europe, the role is key in monitoring and tracking our project portfolio, coordinating with business stakeholders and providing them with the insights and assurances they need, coordinating with project managers, managing project finances, and supporting the overall success and establishment of our project delivery function. The role will focus on portfolio management for the Technology function, and in time widen out to include broader management of the entire UK & Europe portfolio.  

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key senior stakeholders, including the Head of Technology and the Head of Digital.
• Manage the overall portfolio of UK & Europe projects, encompassing business, digital and IT initiatives. The objective will be to ensure alignment with business objectives, strategic initiatives, and technological advancements.
• Through an agreed governance framework, oversee the selection, prioritisation, and resource allocation of initiatives, ensuring they deliver value within defined budgets and timelines.
•  Lead the implementation and continuous evolution of portfolio management processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards to ensure portfolio management aligns with the evolving business and technology landscape.
• Drive the adoption of specific project management tools and methodologies within the team, including Monday.com for project tracking. Ensure tools and processes are effective in managing complex project portfolios and enable accurate monitoring or project progress and health.
• Drive the implementation and adoption of new PMO processes and procedures within the Business Change Team, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and standards
• ·Develop and manage portfolio-wide reports, focusing on the portfolio’s progress, status, risks and issues. Provide actionable insights to stakeholders, to drive informed decision-making and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Track and manage risks and issues across the portfolio, identifying potential challenges and collaborating with project teams and business leaders to develop mitigation strategies to minimise impact.
• Oversee resource management and allocation across projects. Foster collaboration across project teams to share resource and expertise as needed to meet portfolio goals.
• Support the development of the PMO Manage
• Flag any breach of regulatory or internal operational procedures
• Provide strategic and tactical support to the Head of Projects and Programmes. Assist in preparing high-level project documentation, presentations for stakeholders, and in coordinating key project-related meetings.

Essential:

• A good understanding of the financial services/insurance industry
• Strong knowledge of project portfolio management methodologies, processes, and controls
• Knowledge of managing delivery across all phases of the project lifecycle
• Delivery and detail focussed when overseeing and reporting on the Business Project Teams’ outputs
• Strong independent thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive nature and not afraid to challenge as appropriate
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communicator with internal stakeholders at all levels within the business to understand their needs
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team with an openness to new ways of working and approaches
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects and working groups from and across multiple parts of the business to deliver strategic objectives in accordance with set deadlines
• Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering portfolios and programmes.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:  

London Insurance Market Broker or Underwriter experience

Certification in project or change management (e.g., AMP, PRINCE2)

Experience with project management software, such as Monday.com and financial management tools