Head of Programme Management and Continuous Improvement

Job Description

Role Purpose

• Manage the workstreams in the Retail transformation programme on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the project sponsors and the Executive Director of Retail to deliver the required results within the specified tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, and risk. Monitor and report progress on key project milestones and activities and escalate any slippage.
• Use lean methodology, tools and principles to identify business improvement opportunities in Retail; work with the Retail SLT to deliver structured projects to achieve measurable improvements in quality, cost and delivery
• To be the principle advisor to the Executive Director of Retail in shaping and continuously improving the Retail strategy.
• Support the Retail SLT in a trusted advisor role, being a critical friend and challenging in a positive supportive manner.

Main Responsibilities

Programme management

• Build and champion project delivery capability within the Retail SLT, supporting Retail project leads to manage planning and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive the adoption of Agile principles and practices and their implementation. Challenge stakeholders to keep the customer at the forefront of their mind supporting the transformation to Agile delivery methods.
• Prepare and maintain detailed project and programme plans that identify/ track key milestones and project deliverables.
• Undertake appropriate business analysis as required.
• Monitor and report on progress, raising exceptions with the Executive Director of Retail as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain key project documents including logs of risks, issues and lessons learnt.
• Apply appropriate project management processes and controls to ensure the successful delivery of workstreams within the programme.

Strategic design

• Work closely with the Executive Director of Retail to develop the Retail strategy and the three-year business plan.
• Horizon scanning; undertaking research to gather information to gain new insights

Process improvement

• Conduct research and analyses of current operational effectiveness
• Work in partnership with Retail process owners to identify the root causes of issues restricting Retail performance using process improvement and problem-solving tools such as process mapping, kaizen events and value stream mapping.

Other

• Work flexibly as part of the Retail SLT to support the team through periods of pressure and change.
• Act as an Ambassador for Scope, engaging with relevant external networking events to learn from others and share our work and approach.
• This role will require regular travel to our shops across England and Wales.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• Strong programme management skills
• Knowledge and experience of using both Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies
• Knowledge and experience of using Lean to identify value, eliminate waste and improve processes
• Experience of supporting managers through change and an understanding of change management approaches
• Understanding of how a charity retail operation works
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to communicate with and influence at all levels

Desirable

• Knowledge of lean startup methodology
• Knowledge and experience of operating model design

Qualifications

A valid recognised accreditation in professional project management such as

• PRINCE2 Practitioner
• MSP Practitioner
• Agile Project Management Practitioner

Skills

Essential

• Ability to write and present in an engaging style, translating information appropriately for a wide range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills: the ability to collect and analyse information, problem-solve and make decisions.
• Ability to inspire and coach colleagues to deliver results
• Ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders
• Energy and confidence to direct multiple stakeholders to achieve complex tasks to tight deadlines and resilience in the face of setbacks
• Ability to role model Scope’s values