Project Manager - Finance Improvement


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£450 - £500
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Birmingham, B1 1BB
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	14 Aug 2026
Closing date:	28 Aug 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Location: Birmingham (Hybrid Working) Contract Length: Initial 6 Months

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join a major Finance Improvement & Recovery Programme within a large local authority. This high-profile programme is focused on raising financial management standards, strengthening financial resilience and supporting long-term organisational sustainability.

As the programme moves into a critical adoption and delivery phase, we are looking for a hands-on Project Manager who can provide structure, maintain momentum and ensure successful delivery across a portfolio of improvement initiatives.

The Role

As Project Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of multiple finance transformation and improvement projects. Working closely with Programme Leads, Workstream Leads and Subject-Matter Experts, you will drive progress, manage governance, coordinate delivery activities and help embed sustainable change across the programme.

Key Responsibilities

Manage projects throughout the full project life cycle, from planning through to implementation and handover.

Coordinate and oversee multiple work streams, ensuring deliverables remain on track.

Develop and maintain project plans, milestones and reporting frameworks.

Produce high-quality weekly progress reports for senior stakeholders.

Facilitate workshops, project meetings and stakeholder engagement sessions.

Identify, manage and mitigate project risks, issues and dependencies.

Support governance activities and ensure agreed processes are followed.

Challenge existing ways of working and help develop practical, evidence-based solutions.

Work collaboratively with programme teams, business leads and subject-matter experts to drive successful outcomes.

Support change management activities and help embed new ways of working across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for an organised and delivery-focused Project Manager who can bring structure to complex programmes and maintain momentum in a challenging transformation environment.You will be comfortable working across multiple disciplines, managing competing priorities and engaging confidently with stakeholders at all levels.

Essential Experience & Skills

Minimum of five years' practical project management experience.

Relevant project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM, MSP, Agile or equivalent).

Proven experience managing multiple projects or work streams simultaneously.

Strong understanding of project management methodologies and governance frameworks.

Experience delivering transformation, improvement or change programmes.

Ability to create structure, break down complex work packages and drive delivery.

Experience producing executive-level reporting and updates for senior leadership teams.

Strong risk, issue and change management experience.

Excellent stakeholder management, facilitation and influencing skills.

Ability to work effectively in complex and ambiguous environments.

Demonstrable resilience and confidence when managing challenging stakeholders.

Advanced Microsoft Office and project management tool skills.

If you are an experienced Project Manager with a track record of delivering complex transformation programmes and driving meaningful change within local government or similarly complex organisations, please send your updated CV!

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Apply for this job