IT (Core Systems) Project Manager - 12 month FTC with view to permanent

Our client is a PE-backed, professional services group - evolving their group functions across a growing portfolio of businesses. They have multiple businesses in the East Midlands but also in London. They are looking for someone who can work in one of their offices at least 2 days per week. They are offering a 12-month fixed-term contract, with view to going permanent.

The Project Manager will be accountable for the success of all projects under their supervision. This includes the planning, execution, and delivery of complex IT and business transformation projects – with a focus on replacing legacy core systems such as finance, HR, and operational platforms. The Project Manager will coordinate resources, manage risks, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget in accordance with business priorities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Define and create project plans for project, portfolio, and product prioritisation and implementation
• Lead the planning and execution of major system implementation projects, including Core Finance and HRIS replacements
• Evaluate trade-offs between project size and complexity, cost, urgency, risk, and stakeholder value
• Partner with business sponsors to define success metrics and return on investment (ROI) criteria
• Build, lead, and coach multiple project teams throughout project lifecycles
• Facilitate operational checkpoints, steering meetings, and project reviews
• Assess and resolve all high-priority project risks as they are encountered
• Ensure adherence to project methodology compliance standards
• Monitor and control project budgets, timelines, and quality standards
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders and senior leadership on project status
• Support business readiness and change management efforts

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, or related field
• PMI, PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile PM certification (preferred)
• 5+ years’ experience managing IT and business transformation projects
• Proven track record of delivering core system replacements in mid-to-large organisations
• Experience in professional services or accountancy sector (desirable)

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent project management, organisation, and team collaboration skills
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement ability
• Ability to anticipate risks and devise responsive solutions in real time
• Resilience and comfort with ambiguity
• Strong team leadership kills
• Knowledge of business operations, objectives, and enterprise goals

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, SCRUM, Waterfall)
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Visio, Jira, Clarity)
• Familiar with budgeting, forecasting, and resource management practices

Core Competencies

• Delivery Focus
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Leadership
• Change Management
• Collaboration