Project Manager

Job Purpose:

The Project Manager oversees the delivery of various high-priority strategic projects, ranging from new schools and extensions to organizational change projects in alignment with the GEMS' vision and long-term objectives. 

Key Accountabilities: 

Project Planning

• Define the scope of the project in collaboration with senior management
• Work closely with the Chief of Staff to define the project governance structure for each strategic project
• Create a detailed work plan which identifies key activities and respective milestones needed to successfully complete the project
• Determine the resources (time, cost, equipment, etc.) required to complete the project
• Develop a schedule for project completion that effectively allocate the resources to the activities
• Review the project schedule with senior management and internal stakeholders directly impacted by the project; maintain and revise the schedule as required on an ongoing basis
• Determine the objectives and measures upon which the project will be evaluated at its completion

Matrix Management

• Manage the project team according to the agreed methodology in alignment with Chief of Staff
• Ensure that the project team receive an appropriate orientation 
• Maintain close co-ordination and supervision between project resources to ensure seamless delivery of projects as per scheduled timelines
• Lead, manage and motivate project teams to ensure delivery of project
• Mentor team in methodology and consulting excellence, encouraging best practice in project management and project planning
• When required, provide day to day support and guidance to any additional Project Manager’s onboarded, providing team support, alignment to departmental processes and mentoring opportunities for own personal development

Project Control

• Support the Chief of Staff to deliver accurate reporting across a broad range of strategic projects
• Prepare project progress reports on projects for the new schools management team
• Monitor project expenditures ensuring alignment with set budget
• Monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to senior management on a monthly basis
• Ensure that all financial records for projects are up to date
• Manage risks and plan for contingencies to ensure minimal impact on deliverables, establishing a transparent communication process to escalate, manage and resolve issues
• Identify and manage internal dependencies across GEMS functions and with external suppliers and regulators where appropriate

Project Implementation

• Execute the project according to the project plan
• Develop forms and records to document project activities
• Ensure that all project information is appropriately managed and documented in accordance to policy
• Monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project
• Update stakeholders in the organization on the progress of the project
• Review the quality of the work completed with the project team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets project standards

Project Evaluation

• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
• Evaluate the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase
• Support the Chief of Staff to identify areas for project process improvement
• Support the Chief of Staff to implement project management best practice standards where required
• Support the Chief of Staff to implement required items outlined from Internal Audit reports / feedback

Expected Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of degree qualification from a recognised University.
• At least 4+ years of experience as a Project Manager in a related field
• Proven track record in leading complex projects of change in a fast paced environment
• Command of common Office tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, Visio, Outlook)
• Experience and ability to use Microsoft Project

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:

Project leadership

• Demonstrates competency in Project Management and the execution of complex projects, critical to the delivery of business strategies and goals
• Effective in prioritising and executing against timelines in a nimble and fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills to facilitate work in a rapidly changing environment

Analysis and Solution Definition

• Strong planning, reporting and analysis skills
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem solving capabilities
• Handles analysis well and with little supervision; maintains high quality standards even in time-constrained situations
• Ability to work through ambiguity, making the complex more clear

Team Leadership

• Evidence of leadership of successful change and project management
• Strong people manager with the ability to impart knowledge, develop and motivate others to achieve and exceed customer expectations
• Seeks mutually beneficially solutions, obtaining cooperation from others
• Possess good negotiation and conflict management skills
• Generates enthusiasm among project team members

Communication

• Skilled, appropriate and confident communicator at all levels
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build good relationships with stakeholders, colleagues and third parties when required

Interpersonal

• Driven individual with the ability to drive a project team to achieve clear objectives in a timely manner
• Has the resilience to solve problems, thinks outside the box and deal with issues as they arise
• Has the ability to resolve areas / topics of conflict with diplomacy and reasoning

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.