HRIS Project Manager

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

As part of a strategic investment, Withers are looking for an experienced Project Manager to join a team of program and project management professionals in the central Project Management Office to work directly with the global HR team initially focused on the implementation and roll out a new HRIS/HR SaaS along with associated improvements to the HR function.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate successful delivery of a varied portfolio of transformation and change programmes and projects, with special focus in HR change and transformation, and be able to inspire stakeholder confidence through their approach and outcomes. The project manager will be required to lead the business transformation and transition required to effectively implement and roll out the new HRIS - supporting the CPO, Assistant HR Director, COO, Steering Group and Partnership Board in providing structure and planning to help align to the objectives of the global firm. A number of work streams will be in scope of the project – including process improvements, organisational/business change and technology solution implementation.

Based in London, and working with stakeholders across the global firm, the project manager will oversee all aspects of an emerging project, from its initiation and definition through to implementing project activities, structuring delivery tranches and realising the value and return on investment. The project manager will ensure the work is completed to a consistently high standard, within budget, that objectives are met on time, and ultimately meeting the company's strategic vision and operational objectives. The project manager will make sure the project meets professional standards and industry regulations.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Work with the key stakeholders (including Assistant HR Director, HRIS Manager, CEO, CPO, COO, and Divisional CEOs) to define the target state of Withers' HR capability and operations
• Define, implement and manage appropriate project controls and governance at executive, project and workstream levels
• Work directly with the global HR team to make sure the project delivers on all the objectives as scoped 
• Understand the complexities of a global law firm and be able to navigate all the competing demands   
• Lead and own the HR Project approach and plan, including all project and workstream-level dependencies, both internal and external to the project, through collaboration with other project leads and Subject Matter Experts
• Partner with Comms and Training Workstream Leads to drive delivery of outcome-based plans and ensure appropriate visibility, reporting, stakeholder engagement and communication activities
• Work with PMO, and internal and external delivery teams to ensure that appropriate resources are in place throughout the project
• Manage the project to ensure active management of project and workstream plans, risks, actions, issues, and dependencies and escalate matters as appropriate
• Provide effective vendor management - control costs, reduce risk, ensure service is of expected quality and to plan, and unlock the potential vendor value in the long term.
• Ensure the project is managed against the defined scope to time, cost and quality constraints
• Provide day-to-day project leadership to motivate project teams to deliver against agreed project objectives and schedules
• Manage project sponsor and stakeholders across both fee earners and business services teams to ensure alignment of objectives, expectations, priorities and activities
• Develop and execute change management and communication plans in a global, multi-disciplinary environment
• Undertake financial project management, in liaison with the PMO, finance and delivery teams
• Provide accurate project status reports demonstrating progress against milestones, project expenditure against budget, and highlighting pertinent risks and issues to relevant stakeholders
• Prepare and effectively communicate required project documentation including Project Sponsor updates, Steering Group sessions, Project Board information, project proposals, initiation documents, exception reports and options papers
• Utilise the Withers Delivery Management Framework and project management tools to plan, manage and communicate throughout each stage of the project

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key attributes and skills

• Must have had full responsibility for the delivery and management of global HRIS system implementations for a law firm, which have enabled the wider delivery of HR capability and process transformation. 
• Ability to successfully manage multi-disciplinary teams (internal and external) across global locations
• Ability to cope with uncertainty through driving consensus on scope and requirements – for example by resolving different / contradictory viewpoints from diverse stakeholders
• Possess excellent problem-solving skills, working with colleagues and vendors to define pragmatic solutions to problems, within project constraints
• Extensive experience in HR operations and functions including but not limited to Core HR, compensation management, payroll, people planning and performance management 
• Demonstrable success in project delivery through a full life-cycle using industry-standard methodologies
• Be willing to challenge/remove blockers that stop the project team successfully completing their jobs be it from internal or external factors 
• Demonstrate a hands-on approach to project delivery, and be prepared to wear “more than one hat” when necessary
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness in dealing with global customers and suppliers
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in order to engage with stakeholders at all levels and from diverse backgrounds / skillsets
• A strong customer-centric approach 
• A strong team player, willing to work closely with colleagues from multiple teams in a mutually collaborative manner
• Flexibility and pragmatism in dealing with change, whilst maintaining focus on objectives 
• A strong desire to contribute to a positive and supportive learning environment 
• Knowledge and experience of Microsoft office software, including Project, PowerPoint, Word and Excel

Qualifications and experience 

• Prince2, APM or other recognised project management qualifications
• 5+ years' experience as a Project Manager within a Law Firm or other professional services organisation – delivering HR transformation projects and change delivery
• 10+ years' experience as a Project Manager – delivering technology and business change projects

The Essentials

• 9:30am to 5:30pm but flexibility is a must
• 12 week probation period
• 12 week notice period
• Flexible benefits package including pension, private medical, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, on site café plus more

Information for recruitment agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal opportunities employment statement

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national