The posting
Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited
Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future.
Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet.
We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.
Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio.
Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.
Requirements
Your role
We are recruiting for a Senior Delivery Manager on a permanent basis. You will be an outcome focused individual, with a passion for both delivering user-centred digital services in the public sector; and supporting junior and mid-level Delivery Managers in their career progression. You will be open to share your feedback and have a desire to learn / improve as part of your own development. You will have experience of working in a public sector environment, with a working knowledge of public sector standards and principles, such as the Service Standard. You will divide your time between:
1. Working as a ‘hands on’ Senior Delivery Manager for client projects, or across a client portfolio on multilple projects;
2. Supporting recruitment of both permanent and contract Delivery Managers for Methods;
3. Providing line management for Delivery Managers and junior / graduate Delivery Managers.
4. Supporting sales/pre-sales and bid processes.
5. Working with different stakeholder to agree SoWs and engaging with Methods account team as required. Making recommendations on team shape.
Key to this role is delivering excellent client service, often overseeing a number of projects, at a portfolio level. You will also support the Lead Delivery Managers with creating a safe, welcoming and encouraging environment for our team of Permanent Delivery Managers,.
Your responsibilities for delivering excellent client work will include:
● Often being the first point of contact for the client with the wider team. You will need to be credible and influential in liaising with clients, often working alongside a Product Owner / Manager from the client, and supporting them in their role. Applying strategic thinking to deliver best possible outcomes and manage stakeholder buy in.
● Facilitating agile delivery and transformation on client projects - acting as a servant-leader for multidisciplinary teams, helping them to plan their work, remove blockers, and report progress. Managing and communicating project risks, issues and dependencies. Upskill clients in agile methodologies.
● Supporting on managing project budgets and budget burn down.
● Ensuring we are delivering for our clients against the statement of work, and raising risks and issues internally to the Methods Digital management team when needed.
Your responsibilities as a line manager within the Methods Digital Delivery Management Team:
● Helping create a welcoming, safe and inclusive team environment .
● Coaching more junior team members in Agile and Lean practices, and contributing to the wider cross-Methods delivery management community of practice.
● Providing line management for some more junior members of the team, including helping them manage issues that arise on client work, responding proportionately and supportively.
In all your work, you will:
● Champion user needs and accessibility.
● Understand the GDS Service Manual and Service Standard and coach others to understand how it affects both their work, and the product
● Advocate for the use of agile methodologies, to design and develop services iteratively.
Skills we are looking for
● Communication skills. You can mediate between people, communicating with stakeholders at all levels. You can manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate discussions about risk and complexity. You are a fantastic and approachable listener, who the team can trust, who promotes a safe and respectful team ethos.
● Life-cycle perspective. You know how to successfully lead teams through the full product life cycle. You can identify which tools and techniques should be used at each stage. You can develop sustainable support models. You can identify and deal with potential risks across or between all stages of the product life cycle. You know how to coach others. You can contribute to the assessment of other teams, providing guidance and support as they move through stages of the product life cycle.
● Maintaining delivery momentum. You know how to optimise the delivery flow of teams. You actively address the most complicated risks, issues and dependencies including where ownership exists outside the team or no clear ownership exists. You can identify innovative ways to unblock issues.
● Planning. You know how to lead a continual planning process in a very complex environment. You can plan beyond product delivery. You can identify dependencies in plans across services and coordinate delivery. You know how to coach other teams as the central point of expertise.
● Team Dynamics. You understand the psychology of a team and have strong mediation skills. You can coach an organisation on team dynamics and conflict resolution.
● Agile Delivery. You have considerable experience in using agile methodologies.
We know not everyone will have all of the skills we are looking for. We are happy to support you to grow your skill set. This can be achieved by: working with our experienced teams; individual mentoring; and via formal training.
Additional skills and behaviours
Skills that would also be useful in this role include:
● Advocating for fully accessible and inclusive services
● Taking a proactive approach to addressing environmental issues, embedding environmental responsibility in practices and standards, and encouraging clients to consider innovative solutions within the scope of work
● Taking a proactive approach to diversity, equity and inclusion internally and with clients
Benefits
Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.
By joining us you can expect
- Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
- Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
- Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
- A supportive and collaborative environment
Development – A management development programme, and training
Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme
Flexible Working – including home working and part time
Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes
Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year
Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation
Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary
Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
Travel – season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme
For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)
