Senior IT Project Manager

About the role

Cognita is seeking a Senior IT Project Manager to lead complex technology projects across its global network of schools. You will own the delivery from business case through to operational handover, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and business operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end technology projects, covering applications, software development, infrastructure and more, from initiation to deployment and transition to BAU.
• Establish project governance, plans, budgets, milestones and change control, and own KPIs and reporting.
• Manage risks, issues and dependencies, creating recovery plans and escalating material matters with evidence‑based options.
• Build strong relationships across Centres of Excellence, schools and third‑party partners, coordinating cross‑functional teams without direct reports.
• Ensure delivered solutions are adopted, work in practice and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Proven experience delivering complex technology projects or programmes in a multi‑site or international organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and third‑party suppliers to meet scope, time, cost, quality and outcomes.
• Strong planning, risk‑management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and balancing technical, commercial and operational considerations.

Required skills

• PRINCE2 certification or equivalent.
• PMP certification or equivalent.
• AgilePM certification or equivalent.