Description
We are seeking an experienced senior project leader (Associate Director / Director level) to join our Consulting practice, with a focus on the Public Sector. The role offers a chance to shape, lead and oversee a variety of client engagements, helping drive project team success within the project management, change and innovation space. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working on public sector transformation, policy implementation, regulatory change, or large-scale government programmes, as we continue to deliver impactful change across this sector.
Embrace the possibility to apply – at Grant Thornton we are constantly upskilling our staff. If you do not meet all of the listed requirements, please do not be discouraged from applying. We value a growth-oriented mindset and are dedicated to supporting you in reaching your full potential.
Roles & Responsibilities
Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team to successfully deliver and manage projects across a range of key public sector initiatives, including:
Project Management Delivery
1. Overseeing and providing strategic leadership in the delivery of complex public sector projects and programmes, ensuring high-quality outputs and meeting tight deadlines.
2. Defining and driving projects across all stages of the project life cycle, from initiation to implementation and evaluation.
3. Leading and mentoring cross-functional teams spanning multiple departments, agencies and functions.
4. Developing project plans, defining roles and responsibilities and creating clear communication strategies tailored to diverse stakeholder groups.
5. Identifying and implementing innovative process improvements and solutions within a public service context.
Business Development
6. Building trusted senior client relationships and positioning Grant Thornton as a partner of choice by providing expert advice on project and programme management frameworks to support public sector clients in achieving operational and policy goals.
7. Acting as a key liaison between government departments, agencies, and external partners to ensure alignment and collaboration.
8. Facilitating workshops to define project scopes, policy objectives, and business requirements, documenting and sharing outcomes with stakeholders.
9. Engaging elected officials, senior civil servants, and external partners to drive project momentum and success
10. Leading and directing business development initiatives, including the preparation of proposals and tenders for new public sector opportunities.
Skills and Experience
Education and Certifications
11. A third level degree, with a strong academic record.
12. Project Management certification, with a demonstrated ability to apply best practices, tools and methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, or tailored approaches) to deliver measurable project outcomes.
13. 10+ years of relevant experience, with demonstrable leadership at senior levels in the Public Sector consulting or project delivery space.
Skills and Competencies
14. Strong project and programme management experience leading and managing large multi-disciplinary teams comprised of clients, consultants, and third-party vendors.
15. Experience leading large transformational projects and managing change in the Public Sector.
16. Extensive experience working in the Public Sector, with knowledge of its governance, regulatory and operational landscape.
17. Proven track record of successfully managing end-to-end projects across all stages of the project life cycle, particularly in complex government or public service environments.
18. Demonstrated ability to influence and advise senior government stakeholders, shaping strategy as well as delivering operational outcomes.
19. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to public service excellence and developing effective working relationships with stakeholders.
20. Strong multi-tasking abilities and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic policy and political environment.
21. Significant experience in originating, leading and closing business development opportunities, including public sector tenders and complex multi-stakeholder bids.
22. Expertise in senior stakeholder engagement, including government departments, agencies, and C-Suite / Senior Management.
23. An ability to balance big-picture thinking with acute attention to detail.
24. A natural curiosity to explore opportunities for public sector reform and service improvement.
25. A creative, problem-solving mindset and initiative-driven approach.
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