Project Manager - Systems Implementation

The role is for an initial, fixed-term period of 12 months which will be reviewed at the end of that period in line with the business needs of the organisation.

Operational excellence is a framework for achieving sustainable, efficient, and impactful management within educational institutions. At its core, operational excellence emphasises the alignment of resources, processes, and people to deliver value that supports teaching and learning outcomes. For systems implementation, this principle translates into selecting, deploying, and managing solutions that enhance operational efficiency while minimising disruption.

A successful systems implementation project should ensure processes are automated, simplified, and aligned with our strategic goals. By integrating robust systems, schools can achieve better resource management, improved data accuracy, and actionable insights. The project will require active collaboration between school business leaders, IT teams, educators, and external providers. Training and supporting end-users will ensure that the system is not only successfully deployed but also fully utilised to its potential.

By embedding rigorous planning, risk management, and monitoring processes, project managers can ensure implementations are cost-effective, compliant with regulatory standards, and deliver measurable outcomes that benefit the entire school community.

The project manager will be responsible for:

• Project Management of the system implementations.
• Defining new ways of working to drive efficiency and to advance us on our journey to Operational Excellence.
• Bringing in external skills and knowledge.
• Managing project administration, including all documentation.
• Meeting budgetary objectives and reporting regularly to senior management.
• Managing relationships and tracking project performance.
• Leading the planning and implementation of projects and being the single point of contact.

The Project Manager will have the following:

• Proven experience managing end-to-end system implementation projects, ideally within the education sector.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Familiarity with the operational needs of schools, colleges, or educational institutions.
• Understanding of education-related regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements
• Team leadership experience to motivate and coordinate diverse groups, including school business managers, teachers, and administrators.
• Experience with data migration, system integration, user acceptance testing (UAT) and delivery of end user training.
• A customer-centric approach throughout the project delivery.

About the Trust:

Maiden Erlegh Trust is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community of highly effective schools that deliver excellent education opportunities for the children and young people of the communities we serve. Through our work we will ensure that our children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to deal with the demands of an ever-changing world. The Trust currently comprises 9 schools in the local area, with a variety of settings including primary, secondary, special and a PRU. As a Trust, we encourage professional development at all levels through the use of cross Trust networks to share best practice and ideas. We also actively encourage the promotion of staff to different roles within the Trust and to different settings in line with their career aspirations. Click Work @ Maiden Erlegh Trust to find out more information about why you should work for Maiden Erlegh Trust and to read testimonials from existing staff.

Benefits:

Further information about some of the staff benefits that Maiden Erlegh Trust offers its employees, can be found on our website.

Staff Wellbeing is very important to us. As a member of Maiden Erlegh Trust staff these are just some of the examples of how we show our appreciation to staff.

• We operate a system of ‘ME days’ allowing staff to request on additional day off per year to attend special events such as children’s sports days & graduations, family and friends' weddings.
• CPD is available for all staff at all levels.
• Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff.
• Free eye tests are provided for eligible staff.
• Breakfast and lunch provided for staff regularly, including on many INSET days and as a thank you throughout the year.

If you believe that this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and substantially contribute to an exciting future for our students, then you are encouraged to explore further by contacting recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for a more detailed discussion, if required.

Closing date: 9am, Thursday 9 January 2025

Interviews: To be confirmed.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and successful references.