Project Governance Lead

Job Introduction

JOB PURPOSE

To ensure the effective governance of new build, refurbishment and construction projects across all stores and divisions, ensuring compliance with Selfridges internal policies and standards. Responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining governance frameworks across all Property projects within the business. This role ensures that projects are aligned with organisational goals, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, and deliver value within time, budget, and scope. The Project Governance Lead acts as the gatekeeper of project standards, providing oversight and guidance to project managers and key stakeholders.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Extensive property project management skills and knowledge are critical for this job, but the team member must also have strong stakeholder management and team management skills capable of managing PMs and working with all internal and external customers. The role liaises with people from all areas and levels of the business, as well as external service providers and local authorities, and is the primary point of contact for governance of all capital, brand refresh and construction projects.

Governance Framework Development

• Design and Implement Governance Standards: Develop project governance frameworks, including policies, procedures, templates, and guidelines for project delivery, ensuring consistency and alignment with business priorities.
• Methodology Alignment: Ensure that project management standards are consistently applied and aligned with governance standards.
• Risk & Compliance Management: Establish project risk and compliance management frameworks, ensuring that projects adhere to internal controls, risk management policies, and legal regulations.

Project Oversight and Monitoring

• Project Reviews: Lead regular project reviews, audits, and health checks to ensure projects meet governance requirements, timelines, budget, and quality standards.
• Escalation Management: Act as the point of escalation for major risks, issues, or deviations from governance standards, providing solutions or corrective actions.
• Performance Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely reporting of project performance metrics to stakeholders and Board.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Communication: Present project portfolio statuses, risks, and key insights to key stakeholders and executive management.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensure alignment between project outcomes and business objectives, working closely with key stakeholders, sponsors, and project teams.
• Facilitate Decision-Making: Support governance and steering committees in decision-making by providing well-structured reports, assessments, and recommendations.

Continuous Improvement

• Process Improvement: Continuously review and refine governance processes and documentation, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose and enhance project outcomes.
• Lessons Learned: Ensure that lessons learned from completed projects are documented and incorporated into future governance processes and frameworks.
• Training & Development: Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to project teams on governance best practices and compliance standards.

Governance Tools & Systems

• Tools Management: Implement and maintain governance tools and systems to streamline project oversight and reporting.
• Data Integrity: Ensure the accuracy and integrity of project data, ensuring it is consistently updated and available for decision-makers for future benchmarking.

Maintain The Security, Health and Safety Of The Working Environment

• Minimise risks to health and safety of colleagues in the office and on site
• Ensure self and team are fully conversant with Building Regulations, H&S legislation, fire strategies and emergency procedures
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations on all projects
• Ensure contractual compliance and legal governance for all projects 

Business Goals and Brand Values

• Encourage and promote an understanding of the Selfridges brand values within Selfridges as well as amongst external consultants and contractors
• Promote Selfridges business goals in relation to project activities

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Project Management Expertise: extensive understanding of project management methodologies and their governance needs.
• Governance and Risk Management: Strong knowledge of project governance frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Leadership and Influence: Ability to influence and guide project teams and senior stakeholders towards governance objectives.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Strong ability to analyse project data, identify trends, and solve issues proactively.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with executives, project teams, and stakeholders.
• Tool Proficiency: Experience with project management and governance tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel).

Selfridges