Principal Project Manager
GCHQ is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency, working to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
About Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
A UK public body whose statutory function includes foreign-focused signals intelligence. GCHQ uses technical capabilities, analysis and online effects across counter-terrorism, cyber security, serious and organised crime, strategic advantage and support to defence. It has publicly described responsible AI use in its national-security mission.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will lead complex, high-impact projects and major programme elements from initial idea through closure. You will define delivery approaches, plan and schedule work, manage time, cost, quality and benefits, and control risks, issues, dependencies and change. You will engage senior stakeholders, produce reports and business cases, lead governance and assurance activity, and line-manage and mentor colleagues.
Requirements
- Hold a recognised project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PMI PMP or PRINCE2
- Have at least four GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English and Mathematics, equivalent Level 2 qualifications, or relevant equivalent experience
- Demonstrate Project Delivery Capability Framework skills for a Project Manager at SEO grade
- Have experience delivering projects across varied environments
- Have experience leading significant workstreams and engaging senior stakeholders
- Understand planning, reporting, financial tracking, risk, issue and change management
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Be able to obtain Developed Vetting
- Live within a commutable distance of Cheltenham
Responsibilities
- Lead complex projects and major programme elements through the full lifecycle
- Shape delivery approaches and guide multidisciplinary teams
- Plan, schedule and coordinate project delivery
- Manage time, cost, quality and benefits
- Control risks, issues, dependencies and change
- Lead governance and assurance activity
- Write and manage business cases
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders, partners, suppliers and customers
- Produce reports, briefings and recommendations
- Line-manage and mentor colleagues
- Travel within the UK when required
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements, including part-time work, compressed hours and flexible start and finish times
- 25 days of annual leave rising to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Gym, restaurant and on-site coffee-bar facilities at some locations
- Paid parental and adoption leave
- Mentoring and coaching
Hiring Process
Initial online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → application sift → virtual technical and competency-based interview → conditional offer.