Project Manager - Transformation

Working at Forestry and Land Scotland is all about ‘People, Pride and Purpose.’ Join us and take pride in supporting the economy, protecting and enhancing the environment by managing Scotlands National forests and land.
The Business Area, in partnership with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, leads the One FLS – Fit for the Future programme, ensuring the financial sustainability of our operations while maximizing the value of our forest and land assets. The programme drives a culture of change, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
The Project Manager will work closely with the Programme Manager to deliver multiple projects and enhance project and programme management practices within FLS. In this role, you'll oversee daily project activities on behalf of project executives, address challenges, track progress, and escalate issues as needed
A strong track record (min. 5 years) of managing and delivering medium and high-risk projects at pace, with an ability to adapt to inevitable change. You must meet all of the essential criteria within the job description to be considered.
Please review the Job Description for more information, Initially, this Project Manager role is expected to support multiple projects in the 'One FLS - Fit for the future' transformation programme. However, the post holder may also be required to support FLS change initiatives outwith this programme.
As Project Manager, you will support the Programme Manager (or equivalent) in the delivery of specific projects, and in your contribution to the continual improvement of project and programme management arrangements. You will manage the project(s) on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the Project Executive(s) (or equivalent), problem solving, reporting progress and sharing concerns. You will be a critical team member necessary for the success of the project(s).
In particular you will:
+ Ensure the project's Problem Statement is maintained, and accurately articulates the problem the project is addressing. Where appropriate, the project will address root cause, significantly reducing the probability of the problem recurring.
+ Ensure the chosen solution provides optimum value for money, and this can be evidenced e.g., through the business case process.
+ Ensure the chosen solution is aligned with business and technical design principles and direction of travel, and that organisational coherence is maintained.
+ Support the Programme Manager and Project Executive by ensuring the scope/aims of the project remain strategically aligned.
+ Use your project delivery and project management expertise to ensure core project processes are appropriately utilised. These would include requirements management, change control, configuration management, risk management, issue resolution, planning, dependency management, tracking and oversight, stakeholder engagement, financial management, benefits management, lessons learned, etc.
+ Support the Project Executive and other team members to ensure governance arrangements remain effective.
+ Support/upskill project management colleagues (incl. PMO) in project management best practice and be an active member of the FLS project and programme management (PPM) communities of practice and profession.
+ Seek to add additional value to FLS by sharing other skills and experiences you have, and how your input/insight into these non-PPM areas may further assist the wider organisation.
Main Duties
+ On a day-to-day basis, manage the full lifecycle of the project from inception/concept, through to delivery (incl. hypercare), ensuring arrangements for business readiness and successful transition are in place, and (if not in project scope) any necessary business change, embedding and benefit realisation activities are highlighted and understood by relevant stakeholders.
+ Help to determine, and subsequently manage, the delivery approach (e.g., waterfall, agile, hybrid), taking cognisance of service design standards and customer-centric approaches.
+ Ensure the project's case for change and value for money is determined and maintained.
+ Use resource-based planning, tracking and oversight, maintaining an appropriate project plan.
+ Appropriately engage stakeholders, ensuring timely and, 'of-value', effective communications and two-way communication channels are maintained.
+ Actively participate in relevant Communities of Practice.
+ Organise and facilitate workshops and action-centric meetings, where objectives are clear, and value is obtained.
+ Actively manage risk and resolve issues.
+ Communicate complex technical content in a concise and appropriate manner for the audience, such that a meaningful message lands and a helpful discussion can be had.

Essential:
+ A strong track record (min. 5 years) of managing and delivering medium and high-risk projects at pace, with an ability to adapt to inevitable change.
+ Expert knowledge of the various project management and project delivery core processes and disciplines, using the right tools/approach at the right time in a proportionate and pragmatic manner.
+ Expert working knowledge of waterfall, agile and hybrid project lifecycles including how to determine the most appropriate approach and how to effectively use each approach based on their merits.
+ Proficient in the use of project management tools and business tools (such as Microsoft applications).
+ A strong track record in customer centric design, service design and value stream modelling.
+ Proficient in public sector procurement and acquisition, including contract and supplier management, and working with strategic delivery partners.
+ Competent in ensuring data of sufficient quality is appropriately used through analysis and evaluation to inform decisions.
Desirable:
+ Hands-on experience of managing business improvement and transformational projects.
+ Experience of working in a transformational environment, with large volumes of change underway across the entirety of the organisation.
+ Experience of contributing to, refining and maintaining the different perspectives of a programme Blueprint or Target Operating Model (TOM).
+ Proficient team player in a multidisciplinary, self-managing team environment.
Technical
Essential:
+ A recognised Project or Programme Management qualification i.e. Prince 2, Agile, APM, MSP, Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £49,493, Forestry and Land Scotland contributes £14,338 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role
+ An environment with flexible working options
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
+ A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%