Description:
We are looking for a IT Practice Manager to join our team, reporting to the Head of Practice. The role is an essential role within an organization, tasked with overseeing the operations of the IT department, ensuring the alignment of IT services with business objectives, and managing a team of IT professionals. The Practice Manager be part of the program team defining, reviewing and approving the delivery into the agile teams, using SAFe methodology, ensuring auditable quality and traceability. You will be accountable for the delivery of the defined Epics & changes for the clients, provide effective management to the teams and give guidance to key business users. You will be responsible for ensuring the practice methodology aligns with the Apex global QA & BA frameworks and that requirements have been delivered through the cycle with the correct level of rigour & quality.
The practice team is currently located across UK - London, Ireland – Dublin, Bulgaria - Sofia, South Africa – Cape Town and the India offices - Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore. Apex currently has a 5-day Office working policy.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Practice Managers (Project Management professionals), fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Develop and implement team goals, performance metrics, and professional development plans.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
- Act as a Deputy Management Representative for the Head of Practice in their absence.
Strategic Planning and Alignment
- Develop and execute Change strategies that align with the organization's overall business objectives.
- Identify & Lead opportunities for technology & business improvements and innovation to drive business growth and quality outcomes for the business.
- Collaborate with senior management to understand business needs and ensure IT solutions support organizational goals.
Team Project Management
- Active member of the Programme teams methodologies, ensuring adherence to the practice within Apex and upholding high standards for quality
- Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Manage project risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies as required.
- Actively participate in lessons learned sessions to help improve Project Management process.
Project Management
- Collaborate with stakeholders to establish quality standards and ensure compliance with industry best practices.
- Perform analyst activities, where required, and provide clear and concise progress reporting that is reflective of Tower/Team status for key stakeholders and executive review.
- Monitor practice activities and identify patterns and trends; providing insights and recommendations to improve delivery quality.
- Oversee the activities of Project Delivery, ensuring the accurate and comprehensive gathering of change management lifecycle artefacts
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration between project management teams and other stakeholders to align IT solutions with business needs.
Resourcing
- Develop and implement resourcing strategies to ensure the department is adequately staffed to meet organizational needs.
- Manage the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of the professionals, ensuring the acquisition of top talent.
- Monitor and optimize resource allocation to ensure effective utilization of personnel and skills.
Compliance and Security
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to IT and data security.
- Support project related security incidents and breaches
Qualifications And Skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Experience
- Proven experience in Change Delivery Leadership, with a track record of successfully leading and managing Change professionals
- Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management.
- Experience in both Waterfall and Agile, BDD, Dev Ops testing methodologies
- Experience within a Financial Services or Funds Industry is highly desirable