Methods Analytics exists to improve society by helping people make better decisions with data. Combining passionate people, sector-specific insight and technical excellence to provide our customers an end-to-end data service. We use a collaborative, creative and user centric approach data to do good and solve difficult problems. We ensure that our outputs are transparent, robust and transformative.

We value discussion and debate as part of our approach. We will question assumptions, ambition and process – but do so with respect and humility. We relish difficult problems, and overcome them with innovation, creativity and technical freedom to help us design optimum solutions. Ethics, privacy and quality are at the heart of our work and we will not sacrifice these for outcomes. We treat data with respect and use it only for the right purpose. Our people are positive, dedicated and relentless. Data is a vast topic, but we strive for interactions that are engaging, informative and fun in equal measure.

Methods Analytics was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

Purpose of the Role:

Methods Analytics (MA) is recruiting for a Data Engineer to join our team within the Public Sector Business unit on a permanent basis.

This role will be mainly remote but require flexibility to travel to client sites, and our offices based in London, Sheffield, and Bristol.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences and aligning data solutions with business needs.
• Collaborate with a dynamic delivery team on innovative projects, transforming raw data into powerful insights that shape strategic decisions and drive business transformation.
• Utilise platforms and tools such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Databricks, and PowerBI to build robust, scalable, and future-proof end-to-end data solutions.
• Design and implement efficient ETL and ELT pipelines, ensuring seamless integration and transformation of data from various sources to deliver clean, reliable data.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated data models, employing dimensional modelling techniques to support comprehensive data analysis and reporting.
• Implement and uphold best practices in data governance, security, and compliance, using tools like Azure Purview, Unity Catalog, and Apache Atlas to maintain data integrity and trust.
• Ensure data quality and integrity through meticulous attention to detail and rigorous QA processes, continually refining and optimising data queries for performance and cost-efficiency.
• Develop intuitive and visually compelling Power BI dashboards that provide actionable insights to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Monitor and tune solution performance, identifying opportunities for optimisation to enhance the reliability, speed, and functionality of data systems.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and advancements, continuously enhancing your skills and incorporating the latest Data Engineering tools, languages, and methodologies into your work.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in SQL and Python: You are highly proficient in SQL and Python, enabling you to handle complex data problems with ease.
• Understanding of Data Lakehouse Architecture: You have a strong grasp of the principles and implementation of Data Lakehouse architecture.
• Hands-On Experience with Spark-Based Solutions: You possess experience with Spark-based platforms like Azure Synapse, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, or even on-premise Spark clusters, using PySpark or Spark SQL to manage and process large datasets.
• Expertise in Building ETL and ELT Pipelines: You are skilled in building robust ETL and ELT pipelines, mostly in Azure, utilising Azure Data Factory and Spark-based solutions to ensure efficient data flow and transformation.
• Efficiency in Query Writing: You can craft and optimise queries to be both cost-effective and high-performing, ensuring fast and reliable data retrieval.
• Experience in Power BI Dashboard Development: You possess experience in creating insightful and interactive Power BI dashboards that drive business decisions.
• Proficiency in Dimensional Modelling: You are adept at applying dimensional modelling techniques, creating efficient and effective data models tailored to business needs.
• CI/CD Mindset: You naturally work within Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) environments, ensuring automated builds, deployments, and unit testing are integral parts of your development workflow.
• Business Requirements Translation: You have a knack for understanding business requirements and translating them into precise technical specifications that guide data solutions.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to effectively translate complex technical topics into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences
• Continuous Learning and Development: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying up to date with the latest industry trends, tools, and technologies.

Your Impact:

• Enable business leaders to make informed decisions with confidence by providing them with timely, accurate, and actionable data insights.
• Be at the forefront of data innovation, driving the adoption and understanding of modern tooling, architectures, and platforms.
• Deliver seamless and intuitive data solutions that enhance the user experience, from real-time streaming data services to interactive dashboards.
• Play a key role in cultivating a data-driven culture within the organisation, mentoring team members, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the Engineering Practice.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Exposure to Microsoft Fabric: Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and its capabilities would be a significant advantage.
• Experience with High-Performance Data Systems: Handling large-scale data systems with high performance and low latency, such as managing 1 billion+ records or terabyte-sized databases.
• Knowledge of Delta Tables or Apache Iceberg: Understanding and experience with Delta Tables or Apache Iceberg for managing large-scale data lakes efficiently.
• Knowledge of Data Governance Tools: Experience with data governance tools like Azure Purview, Unity Catalog, or Apache Atlas to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Exposure to Streaming/Event-Based Technologies: Experience with technologies such as Kafka, Azure Event Hub, and Spark Streaming for real-time data processing and event-driven architectures.
• Understanding of SOLID Principles: Familiarity with the SOLID principles of object-oriented programming.
• Understanding of Agile Development Methodologies: Familiarity with iterative and agile development methodologies such as SCRUM, contributing to a flexible and responsive development environment.
• Familiarity with Recent Innovations: Knowledge of recent innovations such as GenAI, RAG, and Microsoft Copilot, as well as certifications with leading cloud providers and in areas of data science, AI, and ML.
• Experience with Data for Data Science/AI/ML: Experience working with data tailored for data science, AI, and ML applications,
• Experience with Public Sector Clients: Experience working with public sector clients and understanding their specific needs and requirements.

This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

Methods Analytics is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society

• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership

• A supportive and collaborative environment

As well as this, we offer:

• Development access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme and training

• Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme

• Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month as well as commitment to charitable causes

• Time off 25 days a year

• Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
• Discretionary Company Bonus based on company and individual performance
• Life Assurance of 4 times base salary
• Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
• Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

See more jobs at Methods

Apply for this job

Methods Analytics exists to improve society by helping people make better decisions with data. Combining passionate people, sector-specific insight and technical excellence to provide our customers an end-to-end data service. We use a collaborative, creative and user centric approach data to do good and solve difficult problems. We ensure that our outputs are transparent, robust and transformative.

We value discussion and debate as part of our approach. We will question assumptions, ambition and process – but do so with respect and humility. We relish difficult problems, and overcome them with innovation, creativity and technical freedom to help us design optimum solutions. Ethics, privacy and quality are at the heart of our work and we will not sacrifice these for outcomes. We treat data with respect and use it only for the right purpose. Our people are positive, dedicated and relentless. Data is a vast topic, but we strive for interactions that are engaging, informative and fun in equal measure.

Methods Analytics was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

As a Data & AI Consultant, you will work within our skilled Data & AI Consulting Practice. The team act as strategic advisors supporting clients on their journey to derive business value from Data & AI.

You will be innovative, outcome driven, and passionate about enabling enterprise-wide improvement in the use of Data & AI. You are able to operate at a senior level and experienced in identifying, developing, and deploying AI to solve business problems and bring the value to organisations.

You will work closely with clients acting as a trusted advisor, combining business consulting experience with Data & AI expertise to help clients innovate and become data-led and AI-assisted.

Key Tasks:

• Responsible primarily for client delivery with contribution to business development and collaboration within the Data & AI Practice and Front Line Command, UK Industry and Special Projects Business Unit.
• Leading the delivery and supporting the growth of client engagements, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of Consultants from across our practices of Business Analysis, Delivery Management, Engineering, Architecture and Data Science.
• Collaborating with clients to understand their business processes and objectives, identifying high-value Data & AI use cases, providing guidance and recommendations on solutions, and advising stakeholders on data governance and responsible AI.
• Actively exploring trends in data, analytics, ML and AI to shape strategic advice to clients, keeping abreast of emerging opportunities, funding mechanisms, competitor moves, shifting priorities and pain points in target public and private sector domains.
• Educating executives on data & AI technologies, techniques, market offerings to empower leadership decisions.
• Advising C-suite teams on comprehensive enterprise data strategies, ensuring robust data foundations before AI implementations.
• Guiding data-driven initiatives and building tailored Data & AI strategies spanning detailed plans and business cases to roadmaps.
• Supporting clients to grow a lasting data & AI capability by leading on data literacy, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Articulating and quantifying the value proposition of the consultancy’s data and AI capabilities to prospects across public and private sector.
• Working within the practice to build offers, provide thought leadership, training, and mentoring.
• Understanding how to deliver projects and the management of them from start to finish.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Experience setting strategic direction for use of Data & AI, shaping and supporting delivery of impactful solutions spanning business strategy, transformation, and operations.
• Confidence conveying complex technical concepts of AI and ML to a wide range of stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to assess relevant techniques for a use-case, decide on an appropriate evidence-based approach, and communicate and justify that approach to stakeholders.
• Understanding of data governance and ethics principles, including security, privacy, and risk control metrics.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership experience, proactively identifying clients, building rapport and identifying opportunities.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Experience identifying and implementing Data & AI initiatives and use cases to improve business processes and outcomes.
• Appetite and evidence of continuous learning and improvement in the area of Data & AI.
• Strong foundational knowledge of Data & AI with hands-on experience of data and AI during your career, applying analytical and statistical methods within business or academic field.
• Knowledge of recent innovations such as GenAI, MS Copilot and Microsoft Fabric and/or certifications with leading cloud providers and around topics of data science AI and ML.

 Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of the Defence Sector, including Front Line Commands, UK Defence Industry and Defence procurement practices.
• Experience in management consulting or large organisational data strategy delivery, with engagement up to executive level.
• Experience in developing winning proposals, bids and value propositions to identify client needs, nurture executive relationships, drive new business pipeline and expand market share.
• Experience and awareness of recognised data governance and management practices such as data strategy, data maturity assessments.
• Recognised industry standard data management qualification, such as DCAM or CDMP and understanding of data governance and maturity assessments.
• Working knowledge of use cases and application of different AI technologies including Computer Vision, ML, Gen AI etc. AI, ML frameworks and Data Science Principles.
• Technical background with an undergraduate or advanced degree (Masters, MBA, PhD etc) in a technical field (sciences, computer science, mathematics, engineering, data science) or equivalent experience.

This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

Methods Analytics is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

As well as this, we offer:

• Development access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme and training
• Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme
• Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month as well as commitment to charitable causes
• Time off 25 days a year
• Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
• Discretionary Company Bonus based on company and individual performance
• Life Assurance of 4 times base salary
• Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
• Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

See more jobs at Methods

Apply for this job

Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet.

We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.

Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio.

Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.


Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced IT/IS Security Auditor with Lead Auditor experience to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of information security principles, auditing methodologies and regulatory compliance requirements. They will lead and conduct comprehensive security audits to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of our information assets. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

1. Advanced Audit and Security certifications/qualifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) or equivalent are preferred.
2. Proven experience in IT/IS security auditing, with a strong focus on leading audit engagements.
3. In-depth knowledge of information security principles, best practices, and standards.
4. Proven experience in leading and building Audit & Assurance Teams, supporting individuals to improve their capability and in turn Methods capability.
5. Familiarity with regulations, standards and frameworks GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST and NIS.
6. Experience else a good understanding of the work of NCSC.
7. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
8. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
10. High level of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead Audits: Take charge of planning, organizing, and leading IT/IS security audits from initiation to completion. This includes defining audit scope, objectives, and methodologies in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
2. Building Capability and Leading Teams.Proven ability to build Audit and Assurance Teams to include professional training complementing relevant work experience.
3. Audit Execution: Execute audit procedures, including but not limited to reviewing systems, conducting interviews, reviewing and analysing policies, procedures, processes and documentation.
4. Documentation and Reporting: Document audit findings, observations, and recommendations in clear and concise reports. Communicate audit results to management and stakeholders, providing actionable insights and recommendations for improvement.
5. Assessment: Identify potential security vulnerabilities and threats within the organization's IT systems, networks and infrastructure. Develop strategies and practical recommendations to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.
6. Compliance Monitoring: Review and report on an organisation’s security posture to include policies, procedures and controls in line with extant security standards and frameworks as well as regulatory requirements. Stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards (such as GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST, NIS) to ensure compliance.
7. Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with client IT and security teams to implement corrective actions and remediation plans based on audit findings. Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and processes.
8. Training and Awareness: Provide guidance and training to staff on security best practices, policies, and procedures. Promote a culture of security awareness and compliance throughout the organization.
   

Additional desirable knowledge/experience:

1. Auditing emerging technologies such as IoT/OT, blockchain, AI/ML.
2. Auditing cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
3. COBIT, ITIL, CIS, CAF.
4. Public and Private Sector to include defence, healthcare, automotive, finance and insurance.
5. GovAssure

This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview. 

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working – including home working and part time

Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year

Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Discretionary Company Bonus – based on company and individual performance

Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary

Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Travel– season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)

See more jobs at Methods

Apply for this job

Methods

Methods is an established £100m Digital Transformation company, part of the Alten Group, which over the last 30+ years has provided innovative business and digital technology services. We have over 50 active clients many of which have been working with us for more than 10 years.

Since our establishment in 1990, Methods has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Our mission is to improve and safeguard public-facing services. We apply digital thinking to ensure the future of our public services is centred around our citizens.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - we have a customer-centric value system whereby we focus on delivering what is right for our clients. We passionately support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.

Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio. Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

Headquartered in central London, with seven regional offices, the company has over 300 colleagues in an organisation centred around distinct portfolio offerings and a further central support services function.  Methods delivers multi-disciplinary and full-lifecycle services in a range of specialisms, all related to transitioning from monolithic legacy estates to new, user-centric, cloud and hybrid-based models.  The company is a national leader in combining user-centred digital service design with cloud-based open architecture and modern technology services.

Managed Services Portfolio

The Managed Services Portfolio represents key Methods offerings to the marketplace, building on an outstanding reputation for quality, flexibility and creativity established to date. With focus on both SIAM and ServiceNow services, the team offer vital service management experience in a growing market. Additionally, the team is well placed to capitalise on the growing requirement for disaggregation services where government departments move away from legacy systems to best in class alternatives.

We are looking for an experienced ServiceNow Solutions Architect to provide thought leadership to our ServiceNow Operations Teams, work with our clients to design and build best in class ServiceNow solutions, support the sales cycle, and provide expertise to our strategic accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of end-to-end ServiceNow solutions that address complex business challenges, ensuring they meet the organisation’s current and future business needs.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders to gather, analyse, and document detailed requirements, translating them into actionable specifications.
• Conduct workshops, presentations, and training sessions to facilitate client understanding and collaboration.
• Develop the architectural blueprint for ServiceNow solutions, considering factors such as scalability, security, performance, and integration requirements.
• Assess new ServiceNow features, modules, and integrations to determine their suitability for our clients’ needs and advise on their adoption.
• Establish and enforce governance policies, best practices, and coding standards to ensure the consistency, maintainability, and security of ServiceNow configurations.
• Define and oversee integration strategy, including designing integrations between ServiceNow and other systems or applications, ensuring seamless data flow and interoperability to enhance the overall efficiency of the client's IT landscape.
• Ensure that ServiceNow solutions adhere to security standards, regulatory compliance, and data protection requirements and implement robust access controls and security measures.
• Architect solutions with scalability and optimal performance in mind, considering anticipated growth and usage patterns.
• Develop and maintain a ServiceNow roadmap and value realisation plan that aligns with the client’s strategic objectives, considering future enhancements, upgrades, and innovations.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously enhance ServiceNow solutions.
• Provide quality assurance to ServiceNow implementations, overseeing thorough testing to ensure performance, functionality, and security, identifying defects during the development and testing phases.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation for solutions, including design documents, configuration details, and best practices, to support knowledge transfer and enable ongoing system maintenance.
• Communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including clients, project managers, and development teams, providing regular updates on project progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Create and oversee internal mentoring, training, and development programmes to foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Implement coding and configuration standards to maintain consistency and quality.
• Support the sales cycle by providing inputs to Pre-Sales collateral and bid responses, demonstrating solutions, attending client presentations, and working with the wider teams on service offering development.
• Provide thought leadership and expertise to our strategic accounts, identifying opportunities for upsell and strengthening our relationships.
• Attain and maintain relevant ServiceNow certifications to stay current on platform developments and disseminate this knowledge to customers and internal teams.
• Contribute to the Methods’ brand awareness through blog creation, attending conferences / webinars, writing case studies / white papers etc.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

• Strong relationship-building, influencing, negotiating, and facilitation skills with customers and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, articulating complex technical information convincingly at all levels.
• Able to work with minimal supervision, consistently delivering quality to deadlines and escalating issues and blockers in a timely manner, being customer and relationship focused, process driven, results oriented and organised.
• Experience of working in a client-facing role in a professional services organisation.
• Expert knowledge of the ServiceNow platform, beyond ITSM (e.g. SecOps, HRSD, IRM, BCM, APM, CMDB, ITAM, ITOM, SPM).
• Design of complex integrations between ServiceNow and other enterprise solutions, e.g. based on Integration Hub, Mid Server, SSO, JSON, SOAP, LDAP, JDBC, ODBC, REST, SCP and SFTP.
• ITIL and/or TOGAF qualified.
• Experience of working with Agile SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle Management) methods.
• Experienced in data architecture and master data management.
• A high level of general, technical knowledge including current, emerging, and future technology market trends and their impact on business.
• Good knowledge of Business Architecture, including business and technology strategies, operating models, process models, business and technology capability models and taxonomies (desirable).
• Good knowledge and experience of modelling languages, e.g. UML, ArchiMate and BPMN (desirable.)
• Practical understanding of GDPR and ISO 27001 (desirable).
• Experienced in developing analysis, presentations, and support material to successfully implement strategy or change initiatives.
• Experience in managing large projects and programmes in an enterprise environment, leading project teams that help customers solve their most complex business problems through creative thinking and seeking innovative solutions.

This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK.  If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected .Details of this will be discussed with you at interview

By joining us you can expect

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working – including home working and part time

Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year

Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Discretionary Company Bonus – based on company and individual performance

Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary

Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Travel– season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)

See more jobs at Methods

Apply for this job

Methods are recruiting for a Planning Lead to join on a permanent basis.

The post holder will be Home-based(this role will require regular UK travel and at times will need you to stay away from home)

Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited

Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet.

We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.

Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio.

Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

The role

The Planning role has responsibilities for supporting client delivery, business development and the development of approaches and standards within the change delivery practice.

The post-holder will be part of the growing Change Delivery practice, reporting to the Head of Change Delivery and will be expected to work across the Change & Innovation Portfolio. The Change & Innovation Portfoliocombines the skills and capabilities for designing and delivering digital transformation, combining tangible innovation and emerging technologies to deliver sustainable value to our public sector clients.  It brings together the change and technology capabilities to design and deliver innovative solutions and services that enable clients to understand and capture the practical benefits of emerging technology, with the project and programme management expertise to deliver them.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced planner to oversee the planning and scheduling of major projects and programmes across various government departments. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of high-profile and complex projects that have a significant impact on public services and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have at least ten years’ experience working in programme and project environments and over five years’ experience of working in technology and/or business change consultancy. They will have relevant project and programme qualifications and applied practitioner expertise in the different aspects of PPM design and delivery.

Successful applicants will have experience of large-scale transformation programmes and a broad understanding of the UK public services landscape with experience in different sectors. In addition to demonstrable client engagement skills, they will have a good understanding about the challenges faced in public sector delivery and an interest in innovating with new techniques and technology to support the more efficient delivery of improved outcomes. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Planning and Scheduling:
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive project schedules using industry-standard planning tools.
• Ensure alignment of project plans with overall programme objectives and timelines.
• Identify critical path activities and milestones to ensure timely project delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across government departments to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Facilitate communication between project teams, stakeholders, and executive leadership to ensure clarity and alignment.
• Risk Management:
• Identify potential risks and issues that could impact project timelines and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and report on project progress, highlighting any deviations from the plan and proposing corrective actions.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project performance and progress.
• Prepare regular status reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.
• Process Improvement:
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in project planning and management.
• Mentor and train project teams on planning methodologies and tools to enhance overall project delivery capabilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in project planning and scheduling, with a focus on major projects and programmes.
• Extensive experience with project management software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.
• Proven track record of successful project delivery support in a government or public sector environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically and execute methodically.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• High level of adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Previous experience directing large multi-disciplinary teams across disparate locations.
• Effective negotiation and resource planning.
• Experience of public sector programme management
• Portfolio management qualifications and experience

Benefits

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect:

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring, and thought-provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment

As well as this we offer:

Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working – including home working and part time

Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year

Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Discretionary Company Bonus – based on company and individual performance

Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary

Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay

Travel– season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)

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