Business Project Manager

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 50 law firm to achieve “Platinum Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

To be responsible for the planning, co-ordination, execution and overall control of any business projects assigned to the Project & Innovation team and in line with the firm’s strategy.

The remit of the role includes the following:

• To work closely with the P&I team to analyse and understand the requirements
• To define and agree the deliverables, resource requirements and project controls.
• To co-ordinate and work with the project team to produce estimates for the work required.
• To develop and maintain project plans from the project’s initiation, through to its conclusion.
• In line with the programme governance produce documentation, including reports and product specifications, required to successfully manage the project
• To ensure all project communications, both written and verbal, are managed and delivered in a timely manner.
• To manage any proposed changes or enhancements to the scope of the project.
• To ensure that the project is delivered within the financial requirements of the business.
• To ensure that the project is delivered within the timescales agreed with the business.
• Manage, monitor and motivate the team assigned to the project.
• To manage suppliers and contractors to ensure targets and deliverables are met.
• Minimise the firm’s exposure to risk on the project.
• To ensure projects meet quality standards.
• Ensure that you understand and follow the required policy, procedures and guidelines provided by the P&I team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with rest of the P&I team.
• Be aware of current Health and Safety requirements and co-operate with Facilities Management.

• Self-motivating with a flexible approach, including a preparedness to actively seek work.
• Is inquisitive with an analytical mind, but well grounded in reality.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change
• Expresses ideas clearly in speech, email and documentation.
• Has the confidence, maturity and stature to deal effectively with colleagues in all parts and levels of the business.
• Motivates a team to work together in the most efficient manner.
• Recognises and resolves team conflict and communication problems.
• Sets and manages client expectations

Role-specific knowledge, expertise and experience

Essential

• 5+ years of working within a project management role
• Proven track record of successful project implementation
• Good understanding of IT systems, software development and IT infrastructure.
• Experience in process and requirements analysis.
• Experienced in process and requirements analysis
• Worked with PPM software
• Understanding of Agile methodology

Preferred

• Experience of the whole product development lifecycle.
• Experience in a law firm, professional services firm or other service sector industry
• Ideally worked within a professional services environment

Qualifications and other role-specific requirements

Essential

• Good A Levels/BTEC
• Project Management qualification (PRINCE2/Agile)

Preferred

• Qualified to HND/BSc level or above.
• ITIL qualified.

Additional details

Travel to other Shoosmiths offices will be necessary on occasions.

It is essential that the Project Manager can work flexible or extended hours to complete some tasks outside of core business hours of 08:00 to 18:00.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.