Job Description

Department:

Programme Management

Reports to:

Director Business Development

Location:

Noida/Hybrid

Overview

Pearson is the world\'s leading learning company, operating in 200 countries around the world, with more than 20,500 employees. We offer end-to-end solutions, enabling greater access to high-quality, affordable learning experiences. We are the global experts in learning.

We enable tens of millions of learners per year to maximize their success. Our purpose is to help everyone achieve their potential through learning.

Pearson VUE is a business within Pearson PLC and is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. We develop the leading testing technologies that drive progress through essential credentials in virtually every industry. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management and delivers exams through the world\'s most comprehensive and secure network of 5,600 test centres in 188 countries and territories.

This position is responsible for the implementation and ongoing management of Pearson VUE India client engagements from an operational perspective, including (but not limited to) the implementation and management of client projects based on the Pearson VUE service offering. Typically, the Senior Programme Manager position will be managing one or more key, complex, sensitive and strategic client accreditation programmes and be fully responsible for the successful delivery of the accreditation programme\'s examination services offered by Pearson VUE.

Managing, on behalf of Pearson VUE, client-facing projects ranging from commercial initiatives, procurements, contract mobilisations, and technical and operational implementations with large cross-functional teams.

The role involves capturing and clarifying client requirements, project planning, negotiating priorities, managing and coordinating contribution from 3 rd party vendors and suppliers, meeting company and client quality standards, and reporting both internally and to the client. This is a very hands-on broad role that requires project management and operational experience.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing high-value contracts and their performance along with delivering client-facing initiatives to strict timelines. In addition, the successful candidate will be an effective communicator, have proven senior stakeholder management skills, will lead by example, manage by exception, will be able to negotiate and influence, and demonstrate strong project management skills and best practices.

Career Framework

The post holder:

Is an experienced professional working independently with minimal day-to-day supervision

Will demonstrate expertise in their programme management role and how their position integrates within a wider group of stakeholders both internally and externally

Will positively impact a range of project, operational and customer processes and act as a resource for colleagues with less experience

Will identify risks and issues, propose solutions and communicate these appropriately

Has developed knowledge within the project management discipline, is acknowledged as a specialist in the area, and will provide expertise to various stakeholders

Is able to negotiate and influence / persuade appropriately

Owns responsibility for delivering results through direct reports, or provides significant advice or direction to teammates and surrounding teams

Communicates highly complex information to stakeholders in a way that can be easily understood

Makes operational or complex decisions

Leads through providing direction across the business and impacts achievement of substantial projects

Recognises the impact of change on others and leads through positive behaviour and coaching

Begins to develop relationships with senior leaders across the organisation

Key Responsibilities

Client accreditation programme(s) - account and contract management responsibilities

Building and maintaining relationships with both existing and future clients through regular communication

Managing one or more contracts for the provision of computer-based testing services to clients and their learners / end users

Overseeing the full agreement lifecycle and ensuring that Pearson VUE fulfil their obligations

Adhere to contract management and change control processes defined by Pearson VUE and in accordance with the client agreement(s)

Where contract variance / change control is required, ensure that a full impact assessment is conducted by the relevant parties and work with Business Development and Finance to agree commercials

Ensure purchase orders and invoices are processed correctly and on time for assigned contracts

Forecasting and working with test centre capacity management for planning computer-based testing events

Where relevant, oversee and manage subcontractor performance and agreements

Occasionally playing a contributing role during the procurement process - providing expertise and support for the sales effort and managing bid project activities as required

Ensures that service issues for assigned contracts are identified at the earliest opportunity and that solutions are reviewed, communicated, and implemented

Communicating and negotiating with clients to establish realistic timelines and deliverables within contract specifications

Completing internal and external reporting duties on time for assigned contracts

Establishing and maintaining account / contract documentation for internal and / or external use

Develop excellent knowledge of each client\'s accreditation programme and contract deliverables, able to measure performance against contract and any relevant key performance indicators

Client accreditation programme(s) - project management responsibilities

Lead assigned projects to deliver the agreed products and deliverables working within the constraints of the customer agreement

Management of all aspects of delivery including risks, issues, quality, scope, cost and timeline

Work with the Pearson VUE organisation to devise and agree the necessary project organisation structure

Represent and lead the team at client-facing meetings - ensuring that the team follow-up on any agreed commitments

Prepare and maintain the project plan using appropriate planning techniques

Implement effective risk and issue management (inc. change management), identifying and communicating mitigation / resolution plans, implementing corrective action where necessary, and maintaining risk and issue registers

Deliver agreed project reports

Define a quality management strategy for the project and maintain a quality register

Establish and maintain project controls to ensure the project adheres to agreed governance practices

Manage stakeholder (internal and external) expectations

Ensures that projects are formally closed, reviewed, and lessons learned are captured and actioned. Produces appropriate documentation to support these processes.

All employees have a responsibility to co-operate in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and that of all other staff that may be affected by their acts or omissions

All employees are also responsible for supporting and implementing the company\'s policies and procedures around the Health and Safety, Security, Quality and Business Continuity arrangements that apply in their role/work function.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

Delivering the products, deliverables, and services for large-scale customers and contract mobilisations

Track record of successfully delivering operational change and technology driven projects

Contract management - managing the performance of complex agreements. Review, identify, and understand the party responsibilities / obligations. Manage contract change.

Bachelor\'s degree or equivalent experience

Have a recognised project management qualification - PMP certification is preferred

Strong communication skills and ability to build good working relationships

Experience of working with cross-functional teams and international teams

Good knowledge of MS Project

Experience in the identification, assessment and management of project / service risks

Problem solving skills

IT Literacy and understanding of technical/IT systems

Exceptional listening and influencing skills to create and maintain successful business relationships

Strong commercial sense and pragmatic approach

Working Arrangements

Hybrid or remote working with travel to the Noida office

Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30 hours, with a commitment to peak time requirement as may be required to fulfil project / global client needs.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson\'s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: PROJECT/PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 9951

Pearson