Head of Programmes and Project Management

The Harris Federation are looking to appoint an experienced programme manager as our new Head of Programme & Project Management. This is a newly created role within our Head Office central team and will be responsible for the strategy and effective delivery of all projects across our Corporate Services, including Digital, Finance, HR and Commercial. 

As the Harris Federation continues to grow, we heave created new opportunities and made changes to how we work. As Head of Programme & Project Management, you will have knowledge, skills and expertise to provide leadership and create an environment that encourages collaboration and enables the successful delivery of projects.  

About Us

The Harris Federation is a leading education charity with 51 Harris primary and secondary academies across London and Essex. The founder, Chairman and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We now have over 5,000 staff and educate some 40,000 young people, and closing the gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission.  

We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

Main Areas of Responsibility

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a background in public sector programme and project management. The successful post holder will need to be professional and have the personal skills to champion and drive high quality project management support across the Federation.

Reporting to the Director of Commercial, your responsibilities will include: 

• Leading the Programme & Project Management department for the Harris Federation 
• Creating a long-term project management strategy to ensure the efficient delivery of future projects 
• Implementing robust programme reporting and controls, which provide a clear view on projects’ status at any point 
• Implementing project processes and standards for managing and mitigating risks and provide assurances on the effectiveness of risk management whilst escalating risks to the COO and Corporate Services directors 
• Planning and scoping projects to ensure all necessary stakeholders involved with delivery of projects are identified and adhere to the project life-cycle, reporting and controls 
• Acting as escalation point for projects if required, engaging with senior stakeholders to clarify requirements 
• Providing advice to all stakeholders during the full project and programme life-cycle to ensure project success 
• Providing direction and support to ensure that best practice project management is followed and shared with the relevant stakeholders and departments 
• Produce communication and reporting strategies and plans, including two-way communication and engagement with colleagues impacted by the change, to ensure clear and consistent messaging and to generate trust in the programme/project 
• Supporting the Corporate Services Directors with strategic planning for the business and creation of a 3–5 year plan 
• Identify, develop and share best practice project management processes, tools and templates and provide direction and guidance to the relevant Corporate Services departments 
• Providing ROI analysis on project results, including capturing process improvements from ‘lessons learned’ activities 
• Developing budgets for programmes and projects and helping to forecast costs and deliver cost reduction and efficiency programmes
• Reviewing and approving business case documents 
• Standardising the project methodology, documentation, and processes 
• Delivering key, high profile projects 
• Ensure appropriate governance is in place 

Accountable for: 

• Delivery and centralisation of all projects across the Federation 
• Delivery and completion of projects within agreed timescale, budget and appropriate quality standard 
• Delivery of project roadmap for each financial year 
• Effective and positive relationship management with all project sponsors 
• High quality of project delivery including benefits capture and lessons learned 
• Prioritising projects to achieve maximum ROI within the available budget
• Advise both internal and external stakeholders on delivery timelines 

Qualifications & Experience

We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of delivering large scale programmes and complex projects. We are interested to hear from those with:

• Strong experience of public sector project management
• Experience of Project management frameworks such as Prince2 and Agile
• Experience working in a highly customer-focussed and service orientated environment
• Ability to develop and manage relationships with customers and suppliers effectively
• Proven and well-developed interpersonal skills, including excellent communication both written and verbal
• Ability to achieve buy-in and support from senior and influential stakeholders
• Effective influencing and negotiation skills
• Good administrative, finance and organisational skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications including strong Excel skills
• Ability to work independently and flexibly with own initiative on various ongoing projects
• Professional working ethic and a commitment to high standards
• Ability to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Ability to upskill oneself with new areas of expertise
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and young people
• Experience of managing a team and developing good working relationships i.e. with Head Office functional areas and academy Principals

Next Steps

To arrange a time to discuss the role with our Chief Operating Officer, please contact Harry Bond, Head of Talent, via e-mail: harry.bond@harrisfederation.org.uk.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.