Project Manager

Role Overview

This position is based in Newport or Titchfield (Fareham) and requires adherence to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) hybrid working model, which emphasizes purposeful office attendance with an expected 40% on-site presence. Initial induction will be conducted in person.

As a Project Manager within the Portfolio Office of the Data Products Services and Governance Directorate, you will lead multiple high-impact projects integral to producing official UK economic and social statistics that guide governmental policies and public understanding.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects to deliver expected outcomes within defined time, budget, and quality parameters, overseeing day-to-day management and controls.
• Establish and implement suitable project controls and delivery methodologies across different project phases.
• Ensure benefits outlined in business cases are achieved and maintain a benefits realization strategy with ongoing monitoring.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, securing necessary senior-level support and maintaining appropriate internal and external collaborations.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, collaborating with related projects to handle interdependencies.
• Support governance and facilitate informed decision-making processes.
• Organize assurance activities such as gateway reviews, participate in assurance processes, and implement recommendations.
• Manage formal change control processes with stakeholders to document deliverable modifications.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to the project team, fostering personal growth and high team performance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and controls; regularly report progress to leadership and governance boards.

Qualifications and Professional Development

While not mandatory, the following certifications are advantageous and training is available for successful candidates:

• PRINCE2 Practitioner
• Agile Project Management Practitioner
• APM Project Management Qualification
• APM Chartered Project Professional
• Project Leadership Programme
• PMI Project Management Professional
• Managing Projects and Leading Workstreams
• Government Project Professional Accreditation

Essential Experience and Competencies

• Proven track record of delivering complex projects on scope, budget, and schedule, customizing approaches and tools accordingly.
• Active oversight of project plans, risks, issues, dependencies, with prompt identification and management of threats and opportunities.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, delivering actionable insights and clear updates to senior stakeholders and chairing governance boards.
• Ability to manage demanding workloads using resilience and innovative problem-solving to meet shifting priorities.
• Effective leadership across organizational boundaries, influencing decisions, motivating teams, role-modeling desired behaviors, and addressing inappropriate conduct.

Behavioral and Technical Assessments

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Project Delivery Capability Framework – Frameworks & Methodologies (Practitioner Level)
• Project Delivery Capability Framework – Planning (Practitioner Level)

Salary and Benefits

The role offers a salary of A356,861 (£56,861) plus a A316,472 (£16,472) contribution towards membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. ONS also offers additional benefits and fosters a supportive and inclusive working environment for its 5400 employees.

Inclusion and Accessibility

ONS is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment, actively supporting candidates with disabilities and offering reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Flexible working arrangements including part-time, job share, and hybrid options are welcomed in accordance with ONS policies.

Artificial Intelligence Use

Candidates may utilize AI tools to support applications if all content is truthful, accurate, and personally originated; plagiarism or misrepresentation can lead to disqualification or disciplinary action.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment includes a three-stage process: Civil Service Judgement Test, application review, and interview. Candidates must have current UK work authorization (valid at least 18 months) as ONS cannot sponsor visas. Employment is subject to right-to-work and security clearance requirements.