Job Description

Job Title: Specialist, Project Manager

The Pearson Qualifications Transformation Programme is a multi-year initiative to reshape how we operate, innovate, and deliver value. More than a systems upgrade, it’s about building a future-ready organisation driven by agility, collaboration, and technology. Spanning all disciplines, the programme offers opportunities to influence strategy, lead impactful projects, and deliver meaningful change for customers and colleagues.

This high-profile, executive-sponsored programme brings together diverse talent to tackle complex challenges and set new standards of excellence. Whether your expertise is in technology, operations, finance, or change management, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future. The programme is organised across portfolios including Customer, Learner, Associate, Assessment Services, and Operations, and offers exceptional career development opportunities through exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative projects.

As a Project Manager, you will support the delivery of key transformation projects across Pearson Qualifications. Reporting to the Senior Program and Practice Lead, you will work within a matrix management structure, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met. You will be responsible for coordinating project activities, managing timelines, and supporting effective communication among stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the planning, execution, and delivery of assigned transformation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and project teams in a matrix management environment to coordinate resources and drive project progress.
• Maintain project documentation, track milestones, and report on project status to leadership and stakeholders.
• Identify and escalate risks, issues, and dependencies as needed.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the project management community.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, with experience supporting projects in a matrixed environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, able to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, building relationships across teams.
• Adaptability and resilience, able to work in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
• Stakeholder engagement and management, supporting alignment to shared goals.
• Data literacy, supporting informed decision-making and reporting.
• Commitment to Pearson’s Essential Behaviors: Customer Centricity, Exceptional Collaboration for Value, Raising the Performance Bar, and Our Leaders Inspire.

Power Skills (Level of Expertise: Developing – Level 2/3):

• Adaptability (Developing/Proficient)
• Analytical Skills (Developing/Proficient)
• Business Acumen (Developing)
• Change Leadership (Developing)
• Communication Skills (Developing/Proficient)
• Influencing Skills (Developing)
• Learning to Learn (Developing)
• Project Management (Developing/Proficient)
• Stakeholder Engagement & Management (Developing)

• Governance (Developing)

Behavioral Expectations:

• Demonstrate Customer Centricity by supporting project outcomes that deliver stakeholder value.
• Raise the Performance Bar by maintaining high standards and accountability.
• Drive Exceptional Collaboration for Value by working effectively with teams and stakeholders.
• Inspire as a Leader by supporting and motivating project teams.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

• Typically requires 2+ years of experience in project management, including experience working in matrix management environments and supporting transformation projects.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (e.g., CAPM, Agile) preferred.