Assistant Project Manager

Overview

Assistant Project Managers support project and programme delivery and the effective and efficient functioning of the Projects Directorate. This role involves a wide range of potential work areas and it is intended that the specific delegated activities will match their capabilities and interests while facilitating their career development, subject to business requirements. This is supported by a structured training programme, Competency Clinics, and regular workshops, where the Projects Directorate collaborate and launch new ideas and celebrate success. In all the work we do, we encourage ownership of and pride in the projects and programmes we manage, to ensure high satisfaction of our sponsors.

At any one time, an Assistant Project Manager will be assigned to one or more programmes, projects, initiatives or Business Management Office (BMO) functions by their line manager. For each assignment, they will work closely with the relevant project manager and provide the necessary support to that project team.

The Projects Directorate works with matrix management, so there is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects across the three Portfolios of work. To support the onboarding process, a “buddy” will be assigned, so that any new starter has someone to support them in addition to the line manager.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Project Manager will accept responsibility for assignments as delegated by their line manager. Within each assignment, the Assistant Project Manager’s responsibilities may include:

Project Support

• Under the guidance of their line manager or delegated team member, undertake one or more of the following activities:
  • Support the preparation of Gate papers required for budget approval, change requests and closure of projects (including consideration of scope, schedule and resource plan, budget, quality requirements and risks, opportunities and issues, benefits, and lessons learned).
  • Prepare and maintain, or assist with preparing and maintaining schedules, taking account of dependencies and resource requirements.
  • Apply, or assist with applying, RSSB quality management processes to ensure that project processes and/or outputs meet stakeholder requirements and are fit for purpose.
  • Support the procurement, contract management and/or relationship management of external project suppliers.
  • Assist with managing projects and programmes including the monitoring of actual progress against plan Management of internal and external stakeholders, Planning and delivery of communication activities, preparation of project documentation for publication.
  • Assist with periodic reviews of projects or programmes.

Reporting

• Prepare reports as required for projects, programmes or the Projects Directorate.
• Monitor and report on adherence to one or more RSSB policies, processes and/or procedures, which may include part or all of the Common Projects Framework.

General Support

• Undertake other tasks that support project and programme delivery and/or the effective and efficient functioning of the Projects Directorate, which may include minute taking and following up on actions, support for and organisation of internal and external workshops

Policies, Procedures and Processes

• Ensure all tasks are carried out in accordance with all relevant RSSB policies, processes and procedures.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Effective attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
• Communicate effectively and share thoughts and ideas through methods appropriate to the audience.
• Adapt and respond effectively when embracing new opportunities, change and in navigating uncertainty.
• Actively contribute as part of a team and work towards achieving team goals and outcomes.
• Take responsibility and demonstrate accountability in completing tasks and achieving objectives, actively seeking to resolve problems and identify opportunities.
• Committed to customer service and placing customer satisfaction at the heart of our success to ensure we deliver against our shared goals.
• Build effective professional relationships with stakeholders, understanding their unique goals and motivations, gaining credibility and effectively influencing to achieve desired outcomes.

Desirable:

• Relevant experience of performing a similar functional role within a business team
• Preferably, experience in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Ideally, experience of carrying out project support work.
• Ideally experience of using project planning and management tooling e.g. Microsoft Project Professional or equivalent.