Position Objective
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading different workstream teams to deliver project(s) that span across one or more schools. The role will work in close collaboration with regional colleagues, regional functional leads, Heads of Schools, and Managing Directors (Operations) in Cognita Asia schools. S/he will manage resources, schedules and budget which includes management of issues, risks and project change requests to ensure successful and on-time project delivery. S/he will contribute to process improvement initiatives as it relates to improving project delivery.
Responsibilities
Project Management
- Support in the development of a robust business case for each project with options for a go/no go decision, using market analysis, customer research, macroeconomic forecasting etc as necessary.
- Lead and manage a portfolio of complex and varied projects or initiatives that span across one or multiple schools in Asia. The project types may include, but are not limited to change management, system implementations, integration of new acquisitions, and expansion of existing campuses.
- Ensure projects are aligned with overall objectives and manage resources effectively to achieve project lifecycle milestones and delivery.
- Provide on-site leadership for the project team members to meet project goals, adhering to their responsibilities and project milestones
- Manage all aspects of multiple related projects to ensure the programme is aligned to and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives
- Identify critical business issues and risks, as well as mitigants specifically for the education industry
- Work creatively and analytically in a solutions-oriented environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation and excellence
- Provide status reporting (including progress reports, requirement documentation, etc) on project milestones, deliverables, dependencies, risks and issues, communicating across various stakeholders including leadership
- Deep understanding of interdependencies between operations, business needs, compliance and technology
Cross-departmental coordination and stakeholder management
- Fosterstrong communication and collaboration between different departments within the Asia office, and with schools to facilitate a cohesive approach to project implementation.
- Ensure proactive and clear communication to various stakeholders seeking alignment towards project goals, whilst managing expectations.
- This role encourages knowledge sharing, teamwork, and synergistic efforts to enhance overall project outcomes.
Risk management
- Proactively identify potential risks and challenges related to project execution and inter-departmental collaboration. Risks may also include regulatory, business or macro risks.
- Develop sound risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans that address obstacles that arise during the project lifecycle.
Time management
- Ensure the project timelines are adhered to and develop mitigation plans, where necessary, to support timely completion.
Budget Management
- Collaborate with finance teams to create and manage budgets for strategic projects.
- Monitor project expenditures, ensure adherence to budgets, and optimise cost effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.
Other key success areas:
- Drive Change Management, anchoring on strategic prioritisation in all projects
- Expertise in risk management and budget control
- Pro-active problem-solving abilities and capacity to handle challenges with high resilience
Technical/Functional Expertise
- Proven experience in the end-to-end delivery of strategic projects that drive growth or operational excellence in the organisation
- Understands both internal and external environments and relates that to overall strategy
- Engages and influences community and school leadership teams
- Effective programme management capabilities to lead initiatives and facilitates cross functional collaboration and support
- Informal leadership in a multi-community, diverse environment
Position Requirements
- 7+ years of project management experience, including tracking and planning projects
- 7+ years of experience working with business stakeholders within a cross-functional matrix environment
- 3+ years of previous experience with gathering requirements from the business and documentation
- Proven ability to demonstrate a drive for results and accountability of business needs
- Proven ability to work in an ambiguous environment and collaborate across multiple areas in order to achieve a common business objective
- Interpersonal skills to influence and spur change, facilitate and enhance performance within a cross - functional environment
- Experience working directly in or consulting at K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and/or other education companies preferred
- Excellent Organizational skills
- Excellent Analytical & Numeracy skills
- Outstanding communication skills in English, both spoken and written
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Project Management certification is preferred
Contacts
- This role works with regional colleagues (across regions globally on occasion and within Asia), regional functional leads, Heads of School, Managing Director (Operations), and school-based functional leads.
- External parties, consultants and specialists.
Working Conditions
- Office & School environment
- Ability to travel when required
- Extended working hours to complete projects as required
Terms of Employment
- Referee request: Required
- Background Check: Required
The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young person’s for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Child Protection Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head or indeed to the Regional CEO so that a referral can be made accordingly to the relevant third party services.
For interested applicants, please submit your CV to [email protected]
