Senior Project Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY

ACER is an independent, not-for-profit educational research and development organisation focused on creating and promoting research-based knowledge, products and services that can be used to improve learning across the life span.

Position overview

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) is ACER UK’s most senior project management position responsible for managing the efficient and effective operation of a number of significant high-risk projects / programmes to deliver successful quality outcomes on time, on budget and within agreed scope in accordance with established project management methodology. The SPM is also expected to make contributions to business strategy, lead the business development activity for the office and build the broader project management knowledge and practice of the team.

Position context

ACER International UK (ACER UK) is part of the ACER Group of companies and provides expert advice and services in assessment and learning to a number of government and non-government organisations in the UK and internationally. Current clients include the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the World Bank and national governments in Africa under a grant agreement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).  ACER is regarded as one of the world’s leading expert organisations in assessment and promoting innovation in learning for all ages.     

The SPM will oversee a team of project staff working across all of ACER UK projects and programmes and will be accountable for ensuring appropriate project management practice is implemented throughout our work. In particular, when ACER UK is successful is procuring work under the STA’s trialling and sampling framework, the SPM will act as Project Director. The SPM will also be responsible for driving the sales of the Scottish Online Formative Assessment (SOFA) product.

The SPM will be responsible for business development activity in the UK office, working with the new Business Development unit being set up across the ACER Group. This will include market intelligence, pipeline management, proposals, client relationship management and reporting to the ACER UK Board.

In addition, working closely with the CEO, this position will play a senior management role in the execution of a strategic agenda, including a significant contribution to the ACER business strategy.

Job responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all aspects of project planning, development and implementation across a number of significant projects / programmes including developing project plans, establishing governance and service delivery protocols and supporting project-related activities to ensure project outcomes are achieved on time, on budget and to quality standards
• Monitor and evaluate all aspects of project implementation, including risk and contingency management and quality measures, identify and address issues, assess project progress and effectiveness, and achieve project outcomes
• Manage all day-to-day operations including maintaining project documentation, engaging stakeholders and responding to complex enquiries
• Co-ordinate staff as appropriate ensuring compliance with governance and service quality requirements, to successfully deliver all key milestones and outcomes
• Manage project / program budgets and meet reporting requirements including the preparation and monitoring of financial reports
• Ensure project / programme is effectively marketed to promote product or services
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships through effective communication, negotiation and issues management to ensure project deliverables are achieved
• Undertake research and formulate recommendations to support evidence-based project planning and decision-making improvements
• Identify, initiate and promote business development opportunities for the function or business unit and where appropriate, joint venture relationships with complementary service providers
• Coordinating with a range of internal stakeholders including counterparts in Australia and UK
• Managing relationship with clients and sub-contractors 
• Generating monthly project reports and attending project related meetings with various internal and external stakeholders
• Manage the relationship with STA to ensure timely delivery of project outcomes and effective budget management
• Lead the development of a more effective system to coordinate project management, coordination and support capacity across the UK office
• Contribute to the strategic direction and overall management of the function or business unit
• Work on other projects / programmes commensurate with job size as required.

Decision Making Authority

The Senior Project Manager will work under the general direction of the CEO ACER UK and have carriage of operational decisions with respect to projects / programmes within the delegated area of work. Key or high-risk decisions regarding strategy, business planning, proposals for new commitment of significant ACER UK resources, staffing matters and client relationships are made with reference to the CEO.

It is expected that the Senior Project Manager will assume supervisory responsibility for Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Senior Project Officers and / or Project Officers working on multiple projects/programs.

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:
  • Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
  • Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
  • Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
  • Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
  • Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
  • Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System
• Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Experience working in the education (or other relevant) sector
• Formal training in project management (e.g. PRINCE2) 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to build productive working relationships with a diverse range of people such as vendors, technology specialists, business stakeholders and senior executives
• Experience managing all aspects of a large and/or complex project/program from inception to completion delivering on time and within budget, with high standards of quality
• Evidence of excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills, and ability to coordinate required stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse range of people in an equitable, participative and consultative manner to achieve positive outcomes
• Experience using a range of software programs, including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and an aptitude for learning new IT systems and contributing to the improvement of existing systems
• Experience managing marketing and promotional sales activities 
• Experience assisting with the planning and implementation of change and capacity to meet emerging challenges and opportunities

Desirable

• Strong business acumen and business development skills including experience in identifying potential tenders and proposal bids
• A good understanding of the education systems across the UK
• Experience working in the educational assessment 

Education

Our commitment to equity, diversity, access and inclusion

ACER is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to actively fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, cultural and faith background, sexual orientation, disability and/or age. ACER welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

ACER encourages applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

ACER is committed to supporting candidates with disability through provision of  adjustments during the recruitment and selection process and throughout employment. To request or discuss adjustment requirements, please contact: p&[email protected]