Senior Project Manager

About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UKs fastest growing data centre provider which owns designs builds and operates the countrys most efficient and flexible data centres.

Our mission - consistently exceed the expectations of customers through innovative high-quality solutions and services. We employ intelligent thinkers people with positive attitudes who add to the quality of our customer proposition and business.

We value individual endeavour and initiative encourage teamwork and togetherness because collective experience and expertise is VIRTUS greatest strength.

Job Summary

The role of the Senior Project Manager holds full accountability for managing the complete lifecycle of VIRTUS projectsfrom inception and planning through to implementation delivery and final handover. Each initiative must be executed in alignment with the companys project management framework meeting agreed timelines budgets and quality standards.

The successful candidate will lead the project delivery team resolve resource and delivery challenges and provide regular progress updates to both the Project Director and Programme Controller. Responsibilities also include the preparation of weekly reports and ensuring full compliance with project governance and demand management processes.

Effective use of escalation procedures is expected to manage risks and maintain programme continuity. Acting as the primary liaison for all internal and external stakeholders this individual ensures strong collaboration and a seamless transition to VIRTUS Operations at project completion.

Maintaining a relentless focus on health and safety the role also drives continuous improvement in operational standards. Close collaboration with the Project Director internal design teams and external consultants will be key to translating business requirements into structured plans programmes and deliverables.

Beyond technical delivery the individual will be expected to exemplify and promote the core values of VIRTUS Data Centres always serving as a professional ambassador for the organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Works will include the following:

• Line Management for Cluster Specific Project Managers covering the Stockley Park Campus
• Management of Health and Safety of the works across all Data Centre projects
• Ensuring that the project scope is clearly defined capturing the objectives and project brief minimising variations scope creep and cost increases
• Co-ordination of works to ensure timely delivery of the project including liaison with the construction team contractors external resources and the site FM team
• Preparation submission and tracking of all necessary change controls
• Responsible for ensuring completion of final commissioning with support from specialist teams (external or internal) prior to handover to Operations Team
• Preparation of snagging lists and management of closing out of items
• Formal handover to VIRTUS Operations team at project completion
• Providing Project Management support on any additional works carried out on other sites where necessary
• Management of project costs in line with approved business case
• Regular reporting on progress of project to the Project Director
• Management of external consultants and third-party supply partners required to deliver the project
• Liaison with and progress reporting to VIRTUS Customers and the Project Director
• Project team mentoring and support across the project portfolio
• Obtaining quotes from 3^rd parties and raising internal Purchase Requisition Requests
• Any other reasonable requests made by your line manager

Management Skills

Previous experience working within Data Centres and delivery of successful projects is essential. The successful applicant will also have substantial Project Management experience and a proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Previous Line Management Experience is desirable.

• PRINCE2 APM or other Project Management certification preferred
• Proven Project Management skills in a technical/construction environment
• Demonstrable experience in managing budgets and financial tracking
• Demonstrable experience in delivering projects to client satisfaction
• Good working knowledge of MS Office and MS Project
• Able to understand manage and track project schedules
• Demonstrable change management skills
• Past experience in a technical trade qualification in engineering (critical environments or other sector) would be an advantage
• Skilled in the identification analysis and management of project risks
• Able to effectively manage project issues to successful closure
• Experienced in delivering to set project quality criteria
• Any other reasonable requests made by your line manager

In line with VIRTUS Vetting Policy the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process

Key Behaviours

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills able to communicate effectively with key stakeholders from VIRTUS contractors and customers on specific tasks
• A competent manager of virtual teams (internal and external) in a matrix managed environment
• Organised and able to remain calm and focused under pressure
• Highly motivated with a can do attitude
• Acts in a Leadership role within the Projects Team mentoring Project Managers providing cover for the Project Director during periods of holiday absence
• Works well as an individual and within a team
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity with an approachable demeanour
• Shows assertiveness in managing conflict and is able to find inventive solutions that lead to mutually beneficial outcomes
• Able to recognise constraints on stakeholders and use own initiative to proactively develop solutions
• Identifies areas for improvement and acts upon them
• Anticipates internal and external issues that may impact on the project
• Ability to lead through influence and empower stakeholders to make challenging decisions
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement willing to demonstrate adaptability when change is necessary and able to actively involve those affected by change
• Confidently facilitates meetings to encourage input from all participants to ensure all viewpoints are aired and considered
• Strong negotiation skills and confident in challenging stakeholders to resolve conflicting priorities to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
• Identifies and breaks down barriers to success while considering longer-term implications of decisions made
• Adheres to the escalation process highlighting early warnings to senior management whilst also maintaining personal accountability
• Keen to contribute to developing best practices within the Project Management team

VIRTUS is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

VIRTUS Data Centres does not accept unsolicited support from search firms for employment openings. CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any VIRTUS employee without an active written search agreement for a specified role will become the property of VIRTUS. No fees will be paid for candidates hired from agency submissions made without such an agreement. Existing agency partnerships must adhere to position-specific terms outlined in their agreements. Please refrain from calling or emailing regarding this matter.