Project & Programme Assurance Manager Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Project and Programme Quality Assurance Manager for our central Change Management team. 

The Programme & Project Assurance Manager is responsible for supporting and providing assurance over Programmes and Projects in line with agreed project and programme management standards, frameworks and methodologies across SMBC Group EMEA

You will 

• assess, consolidate and report back on key programme / project progress towards delivery and benefits realization and adherence to standards for relevant SteerCo meetings;
• contribute to the evolution and maintenance of SMBC's programme / project management information, training, tools and templates. This work includes the Change Management microsite homepage, e-learning, workshops, training sessions, priority project reviews and a regular newsletter on programme / project management
• identify, analyse and report on the themes arising from lessons learned contributions from Programmes and Projects entered into a central data base;

You will have:

• 10 years+ experience in project/programme management and/or project assurance
• Sufficient credibility and gravitas to ensure that advice and guidance are followed.
• A proven track record of strong communication skills across all corporate grades

Business Area

The Change Management Group (CMG) provides the SMBC enterprise professional project, programme and portfolio management resource and expertise to the organisation. It was established in Nov 2019 as an independent, centralized business function operating at a strategic level to provide enterprise-wide oversight, standards and delivery of change. CMG is closely aligned with the transformation function with the aim of ensuring that change execution focuses on agreed strategic business objectives and goals.

The oversight function includes governance, guidance, best practices, assurance, mentoring and up-skilling project managers from other departments and BAU staff.

CMG is responsible for the standards and the enterprise-wide project and programme frameworks including tools, templates and processes.

CMG is both a resource centre and recognised as a centre of excellence. It is comprised of professionally qualified project, programme and change managers, business analysts and junior analysts as well as portfolio and quality assurance functions. Project and programme resources are divided into multi-disciplinary teams with report lines to a Team Lead.

Position Description

Responsible for providing assurance to all SMBC Group stakeholders on a large portfolio of projects (up to 15- 20 concurrently). This includes (but is not restricted to):

• providing an expert project management view of the management and delivery of the projects and programmes
• ensuring all project/programme assurance processes are carried out effectively
• carrying out expert reviews and analysis of project and/or programme deliverables 
• ensuring the management of projects and programmes is carried out according to agreed methods and standards, and industry best practice
• providing assurance to project Governance bodies (this may be both written and verbal)
• advising on and discussing any identified changes required (including project scope) with the project sponsor and programme management to ensure the project remains aligned with the strategic direction of the business at all times, meets the required standards and is following the agreed methodology and ensuring that any changes and/or decisions are communicated effectively
• working collaboratively with a large stakeholder group and the wider CMG team to provide support and guidance

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!