The posting
ABOUT IRIS
IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.
We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.
Help turn complex technology change into clear, controlled delivery across IRIS.
IRIS Software Group provides business software and services that help organisations reduce administration, improve processes and make better decisions. We operate across the UK, North America and international markets, with growth supported by acquisitions, business transformation and technology modernisation.
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract and take ownership of varied internal IT and technology-enabled business projects. You will bring structure, pace and clear communication to work that may span applications, infrastructure, data, cyber security, workplace technology, end-user computing and service improvement.
Current examples include replacing a secure email application, improving certificate management and upgrading from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2022, alongside potential mergers, acquisitions and divestments.
🧾 Why This Role Matters
Our internal technology projects shape how colleagues work and how effectively the wider business operates. You will connect technology teams, business stakeholders, suppliers and implementation partners, turning objectives into practical plans and keeping delivery focused on agreed outcomes.
The portfolio may also include M&A activity. M&A means mergers and acquisitions, where businesses combine or one company acquires another. You may support integration, bringing systems and teams together, or divestment and separation, where part of a business is prepared to operate independently or move to a new owner.
👥 About the Team You’ll Join
You will report to the Principal Programme Manager and join a close-knit team of four within our IT Managed Technology Support function. Working across internal IT, business functions, leadership teams, Finance, suppliers and delivery partners, you will play an important role in delivering technology change that supports colleagues across the wider business.
The role can be performed fully remotely. You may be invited to occasional workshops in Manchester or Heathrow, potentially for up to two days with advance notice, but attendance is not essential.
This is a role for someone who can establish credibility quickly, work independently and maintain momentum when priorities and dependencies are changing.
📊 What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead projects end to end, from initiation and discovery through delivery, closure and handover.
- Build and maintain project plans, milestone trackers, budgets, governance documents, dependency maps and status reports.
- Manage scope, schedules, resources, risks, issues and change control, taking corrective action when delivery moves off track.
- Run workshops, project meetings, governance forums and decision-making sessions, ensuring actions and decisions are captured and progressed.
- Coordinate delivery across applications, infrastructure, data, security, end-user computing and business operations.
- Where required, support due diligence, transition planning, technology migration, day-one readiness and business readiness for acquisitions, integrations or divestments.
- Maintain financial control against the approved Investment Case, meaning the agreed business justification and funding for a project, working with Finance on budget tracking and cross-charges between business areas.
- Plan a sustainable transition into BAU, meaning business as usual, with clear ownership, service continuity, closure documentation and lessons learned.
🔎 What We’re Looking For
You will need proven experience delivering complex internal IT, technology transformation or technology-enabled business change projects. You should be comfortable working across several workstreams, engaging senior stakeholders and suppliers, and balancing pace with robust governance.
- Strong project planning, budget, risk, supplier and governance experience.
- Experience across areas such as infrastructure, applications, data, cyber security, end-user computing, service improvement or workplace technology.
- Confidence maintaining RAID logs. RAID is a structured record of risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies that could affect delivery.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to make complex delivery information clear and decision-ready.
- A calm, organised and pragmatic approach, with strong attention to detail and the confidence to work through ambiguity.
Experience in a private equity-backed, acquisition-led or high-growth organisation, or supporting integrations, carve-outs or divestments, would be valuable but is not essential.
Familiarity with Asana, Microsoft Project, SharePoint or similar tools, plus PRINCE2, Agile or an equivalent project management qualification, would also be useful.
🚀 Why Join Us?
This contract offers the opportunity to influence a varied portfolio of high-impact internal projects and work with stakeholders across technology and the wider business. You will have the autonomy to shape delivery plans, strengthen governance and leave each project with clear ownership, documentation and a sustainable handover.
📝 What Can You Expect From Our Application Process?
We like to keep things simple, transparent and fair.
1️⃣ Apply Online
Upload your CV and tell us why this opportunity interests you and why your experience is a strong match.
2️⃣ Initial Conversation and Online Assessments
You may complete two online assessments, unless you have completed them within the last 12 months, followed by an informal conversation with a Talent Acquisition Partner.
- CCAT is a 15-minute timed cognitive aptitude assessment.
- EPP is an untimed workplace personality assessment that you can complete at your own pace.
3️⃣ First-Stage Interview
Your first-stage interview will be with the Principal Programme Manager and will explore your experience of complex project delivery, stakeholder management, governance, risk and financial control.
4️⃣ Final-Stage Interview
The final-stage interview will be with the Principal Programme Manager and Director, Managed Technologies.
If you enjoy bringing clarity to complex change and keeping diverse teams aligned around delivery, we would be pleased to hear from you.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE
- Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.
- Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.
- Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
READY TO APPLY?
Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR HIRING PROCESS
Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:
1. Application review — we assess your experience and potential
2. Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
3. Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
4. Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS
We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence.
If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.
