Pensions Project Manager

Project Manager – Group Pensions
Location: London (3 days per week in the office)
Salary: Competitive (Depending on experience)

Role Overview:

We are partnering with the specialist pensions team of a prestigious FTSE 100 retail FMCG business to find an experienced Project Manager to manage a diverse portfolio of system and process improvement projects within their Group Pensions Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading all stages of the project life cycle, collaborating with key stakeholders to assess current processes, identify areas for automation and efficiency, and provide strategic recommendations to senior management. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled project manager with experience in pensions, finance, or process improvement, looking to make a significant impact within a high-profile FTSE 100 organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Ensure that projects are aligned with the company’s IS Governance Framework. Provide regular progress updates and reports to management on all active projects.

• Process Improvement: Lead workshops with internal teams to document and review current processes, identifying areas for automation and improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

• System Specifications: Oversee the creation of system specifications based on user requirements, liaising with both internal teams and external suppliers to ensure that solutions align with business needs.

• Testing & Implementation: Lead the commissioning, testing, and implementation of new systems and processes, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that all projects comply with relevant legislation, company policies, and industry standards, including pensions, data protection, information security, and financial controls.

• Documentation & Training: Manage the creation of internal manuals, technical development notes, and other relevant documentation. Identify knowledge gaps and organize training for teams on new processes and systems.

• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams (IT, Finance, HR, Legal) and external service providers to ensure successful delivery of projects.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Project Management Qualifications: Ideally PRINCE2 or similar project management certification.

• Experience: Proven experience in managing project portfolios, systems development, and process implementation, preferably within pensions, finance, or a related sector, ideally within an FMCG or retail environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across various internal teams and external partners.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Technical Knowledge: Experience in writing system specifications and managing the testing and implementation of systems. Previous experience working with internal and external suppliers is essential.

Key Attributes:

• Problem Solver: Ability to challenge both internal and external teams to develop innovative solutions and drive process improvements.

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to understand and assess the impact of legislation and company policies on pensions strategy and operations.

• Self-Starter: Ability to work independently, taking full ownership of projects and managing them with minimal supervision.