IT Project Manager

Our client Scottish Power are currently recruiting for an IT Project Manager to join their team based in Glasgow on a contract basis initially. Ideally for this role they are looking for an experienced Project Manager with a background in IT. For further information on this role see below:

Job Purpose Statement
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) are improving the functionality of core IT applications used in the
management and visualisation of the low voltage electrical network. To maximise the use of data
in managing impacts on the distribution network, we require that network data can be flexibly
analysed to assess future and near-real time scenarios. This requires a flexible, accurate network
data model and this project will deliver a series of enhancements as SPEN drives towards the UK’s
Net Zero target.
The LV IT Project Manager is responsible for providing leadership, managing all aspects of the
assigned IT projects. This includes full project life-cycle support from the initial problem and
requirement identification to final transition of project deliverables into operation. The role requires
strong understanding of IT applications as well as an ability to build understanding of the business
process and associated toolsets.
Accountability Statements
• Plan and manage the interdependencies between workstreams and other Network
Digitalisation projects.
• Manage cross-programme risks, including the development of contingency plans.
• Prepare and report to the appropriate SPEN boards to assure the overall direction and
integrity of the project delivery.
• Build relationships with suppliers or account managers and support contract negotiations.
• Ensure that contracted project deliverables are tracked against Network Digitalisation
roadmap, from contract placement through to final delivery by suppliers.
• Coach, mentor, support and provide direction to all members of the delivery team.
• Ensure maintenance of a detailed project plan and suitable reporting to ensure stakeholders
are adequately informed of delivery status.
• Effective delivery into BAU ensuring the appropriate support framework and internal / external
resource is in place.
• Ensure development and delivery of an effective test strategy and plan with appropriate tools
and resource in place to deliver.
• Ensure appropriate measures are developed and implemented to validate delivery of expected
benefits and improvements.
• Ensures deliverables are of an appropriate quality at the end of each sprint and that changes
are implemented effectively
Dimensions
Internal Use
The post holder will be required to
• Take responsibility for the full application life cycle from the initial problem and requirement
identification to final transition to service of the project deliverables into operation.
• Manage multi-disciplined project teams include DevOps engineers, IT architects, application
specialists, developers & testers
• Ensure projects are kept on track (time/cost/quality). Identify and address project risks and
issues, escalating actions to the appropriate project board where necessary.
• Build & foster relationship with global/multicultural businesses & stakeholders.
• Ideally understand electrical networks, power systems and the UK electricity distribution
business
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Required:
• Agile Delivery: well versed with agile product and sprint backlog rituals, artefacts, and
concepts. Experience with capacity-based delivery models and backlog prioritisation
processes. Experience of delivering Agile based projects in both an Agile and Waterfall context
ensuring seamless integration of Agile delivery methods with more traditional models where
appropriate.
• Delivery Partnership: comfortable working together with external delivery partners and
suppliers with a ‘one-team’ mindset.
• Communication: excellent communication and reporting skills up to Director level coupled with
good influencing and negotiating skills.
• Collaboration: ability to influence and collaborate at an executive and senior management
level across SPEN and other key external stakeholders.
• Leadership: experience of leading a multi-disciplined team, leveraging skills and experience to
enable effective delivery of the overall programme.
• Behaviours: highly motivated and positive under pressure with the ability to support, motivate
and direct the team.
• Technical: broad technical knowledge covering the main technologies included in the IT estate,
specifically cloud based solutions. Expert knowledge of IT systems delivery and the project life
cycle.
• Customer focus: ability to balance technical / IT skills with core operational customer service
needs to deliver a good quality solution on time that meets all stakeholder needs
• Qualifications: PRINCE2, APM or equivalent qualifications desirable HND or Degree level
qualification change management experience.
• Delivery Experience: Experience delivering across multiple teams in a multi-vendor
environment.
Planning & Organising
Required:
• Ability to estimate and plan project activities and recognise constraints, issues, interdependencies, and relative priorities within and outside of areas of control.
• Ability to organise and obtain business demand using appropriate influencing and negotiating
skills to identify optimal outcomes.
• Recognise and manage expectations of stakeholder groups such as senior business
management, internal IT and SPEN business groups to ensure efficient delivery of IT change.
• Devise and present various options with the pros and cons of each one, to facilitate a decision
by the business and best manage risks and delivery.
• Ability to manage and balance workload across the project consisting of multiple workstreams.
• Decisive mindset when dealing with inter-project matters relating to progress, risks, and issues.
• Manage conflicting requirements between different workstreams within the project.
Internal and External Relationships
Internal Use
Internal
• Take direction from and inform the Network Digitalisation Manager and Centre of Excellence
Value Stream Manger to fulfil the demands of the role.
• Engage with the wider SPEN team in the formulation of solutions, resourcing and to enable
delivery of the project.
• Engage as required with management and staff within SPEN, Centre of Excellence and
Corporate business units to drive overall project delivery.
• Team player with excellent inter-personal and communicative skills.
• Develop trusted and valued enduring relationships with Stakeholders and Product Owners.
External
• Engage and influence suppliers and product vendors to drive solution delivery.
Special Requirements (not mandatory)
Desirable experience:
• IT management experience gained in the utilities sector, ideally the
distribution and transmission of electricity in the UK
Minimum Criteria (mandatory)
Entry Qualification:
HND or Degree level qualification
Recognised Project/Programme Management qualification
Recognised Change Management qualification
Specific:
Agile tooling (Jira) / Agile & DevOps
Entry Experience:
Experience of IT systems portfolio delivery
Experience of budget management in excess of £2m
Experience of people management of multi-disciplined teams up to 5 people
Experience of Agile Delivery Methodology
Experience of SaaS / Cloud solutions