Advanced Specialist, Project Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Advanced Specialist, Project Manager

The Pearson Qualifications Transformation Programme is a multi-year initiative to reshape how we operate, innovate, and deliver value. More than a systems upgrade, it's about building a future-ready organisation driven by agility, collaboration, and technology. Spanning all disciplines, the programme offers opportunities to influence strategy, lead impactful projects, and deliver meaningful change for customers and colleagues.

This high-profile, executive-sponsored programme brings together diverse talent to tackle complex challenges and set new standards of excellence. Whether your expertise is in technology, operations, finance, or change management, you'll play a key role in shaping the future. The programme is organised across portfolios including Customer, Learner, Associate, Assessment Services, and Operations, and offers exceptional career development opportunities through exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative projects.

Job Summary:

As a Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering key transformation projects across Pearson Qualifications. Reporting to the Senior Program and Practice Lead, you will operate within a matrix management environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project outcomes. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, managing risks and dependencies, and driving continuous improvement in project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of assigned transformation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization, operating within a matrix management structure to coordinate resources and drive project success.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, manage risks, issues, and dependencies, and ensure transparent reporting of progress and outcomes.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Champion best practices in project management, contributing to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the transformation portfolio.
• Support change management activities to ensure successful adoption of project outcomes.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, with a proven track record of delivering complex projects in a matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to identify risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, building consensus and motivating cross-functional teams.
• High adaptability and resilience, thriving in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
• Stakeholder engagement and management, aligning contributors to shared goals.
• Data literacy, leveraging information to inform decisions and reporting.
• Commitment to Pearson's Essential Behaviors: Customer Centricity, Exceptional Collaboration for Value, Raising the Performance Bar, and Our Leaders Inspire.

Power Skills (Level of Expertise: Proficient - Level 3/4):

• Adaptability (Proficient)
• Analytical Skills (Proficient)
• Business Acumen (Proficient)
• Change Leadership (Proficient)
• Communication Skills (Proficient)
• Influencing Skills (Proficient)
• Learning to Learn (Proficient)
• Project Management Leadership (Proficient)
• Stakeholder Engagement & Management (Proficient)
• Governance (Proficient)

Behavioral Expectations:

• Demonstrate Customer Centricity by connecting project outcomes to stakeholder value.
• Raise the Performance Bar by setting high standards and fostering accountability.
• Drive Exceptional Collaboration for Value by aligning teams and stakeholders to deliver shared goals.
• Inspire as a Leader by motivating, developing, and supporting your project teams.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

• Typically requires 5+ years of progressive experience in project management, including experience working in matrix management environments and delivering transformation projects.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile) preferred.