Senior Project Manager (12-month fixed term contract)

Senior Project Manager (12-month fixed term contract)

Salary: Please be aware that these positions will offer a higher salary compared to permanent roles due to their status as Fixed Term Employees. Consequently, these roles demand a greater level of capability and substantial experience that aligns with the expectations of the position.

Location: Flexible – Offices in Swindon, Fareham, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and London

The opportunity: 

Are you highly experienced at the Senior PM level with multi-year experience? Are you solution-focused, with the ability to bring people together at all levels of the organisation to get the right results and outcomes for the business? Are you able to quickly establish superb relationships that enable you to influence key stakeholders and our suppliers and hit the ground running?

Here in Operations at Zurich, we are passionate about our people and our customers which is why we are expanding our change team significantly over the next year. As a result, we are looking for a number of new Senior Project Managers to join us on a fixed-term basis.

As a fixed-term Senior PM with Zurich, you will be involved in the most challenging, critical projects across our Life or General Insurance Businesses. We are presently recruiting for multiple immediate opportunities in the following areas:

• Strategic growth and business development in particular HR and TOM change
• IT Risk Remediation / technical focussed delivery
• Regulatory Must-Do’s in particular Operational and IT Resilience change

You are expected to contribute value right from the start by bringing a skill set comparable to that of a "contractor." The positions will offer a hybrid working arrangement, combining work from home with time spent at our main or satellite office locations in the UK.

What will you be doing? 

• You'll understand and interpret business objectives, goals and targets into tangible deliverables that are balanced and sustainable after the project ends.
• Collaborative by nature, you'll understand the need to work with other areas of the business with the customer at the heart of your focus. You'll be able to drive activity and understand the deliverables involved, as well as meet challenging timelines.
• Working together with internal and external suppliers, your goal will be to get the best value for change activity, you'll also be working with the project sponsor to produce the Business case and benefits plan.
• Be confident when it comes to change and able to deal with conflict and resolution, which often hinges on critical dependencies. You'll be responsible for the planning and delivery of projects, understanding how these align with the long-term plans of the business.
• You’ll be working with and managing heads of Business stakeholders from multiple functions
• You'll be adept at reading situations to figure out the best approach to meet business goals, including the adoption of any formal project methodology like Agile or Waterfall.
• You'll have a naturally consultative approach and will be able to provide leadership, advice, guidance, coaching and direction to project team members.
• You'll lead and share best practices and experiences with peer groups to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.
• Troubleshooting and resolution of any issues affecting the project will be key, followed by implementing remedial action and developing quality plans.
• You'll be used to working within a governance framework, providing appropriate controls and reporting on project progress, benefits and achievements in a timely and efficient manner.
• You'll support implementation and training activities including transfer into BAU operational

What are we looking for?

Essential:

• These roles are not development roles and significant experience at the Senior PM level is required. 
• Delivery of IT and business change projects is essential, alongside the proven capability of managing multiple senior exec-level stakeholders
• Management of all stages of the delivery lifecycle, from initiation to post-production support
• An understanding of IT and digital technology combined with a high degree of financial & commercial awareness
• Delivery of medium to high complexity projects with budgets over £1m
• Experience in managing or delivering through multiple third-party suppliers including both large incumbent suppliers and smaller niche vendors
• You will provide knowledge of a variety of project management tools, particularly MSP, and have proven experience in delivering projects using a variety of delivery methodologies, e.g. Waterfall and Scrum

Desirable:

Project Management qualifications (e.g. Prince 2 or PMI) and a background in Financial Services would be beneficial. We're more interested in bringing the right talent into the team to help create, develop, and build this cornerstone of the business.

As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

What will you get in return?

Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.

Follow the link for more information about our benefits - Employee benefits | Working at Zurich Insurance UK

Who we are:

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture:

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us. #LI-Hybrid