Head of European Project Office (EPO)

The Ford Credit Europe team is establishing a EPO to lead the development of a project delivery model that integrates traditional and agile project management practices, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery. The Head of EPO is accountable for establishing the EPO and effectively embedding good project governance, tools, processes, and reporting. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader, with a background in leading large-scale business and technology projects, adept in change management, navigating complex project landscapes and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. As a Head of EPO, you will be responsible for setting up robust structures for project governance, prioritisation and management, to ensure successful delivery of large transformation and regulatory projects spanning our key European markets. You'll manage a small team of project managers, whilst bringing industry knowledge and best practices to help upskill the wider business on how to deliver projects effectively.

• Lead the execution and stand up of our change management and hybrid project management approach, aligning with organizational goals and objectives.
• Establish the governance structures, processes, prioritization framework, and standards for project and change management across the organization.
• Ensure the seamless integration of both traditional and agile project management methodologies creating a hybrid approach that can flex with periods of high demand.
• Oversee the operational aspects of the EPO, including project portfolio management, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Champion continuous improvement within the EPO and business led project teams by leveraging best practices, lessons learned, and feedback.
• Encourage innovation and adaptability, ensuring the EPO remains agile and responsive to changing business needs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop project management skill in business led functions.
• Manage relationships with external PMO partners.
• Represent project management function in cross-functional meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in project management.
• Partner closely with Engineering and other teams to create, drive, and deliver key projects.
• Unlock roadblocks at the corporate level and cultivate collaboration with senior leaders across Ford Credit through leadership, creativity, intelligence, and presence., This role is based in either Dunton, Essex or Cologne, Germany, where a hybrid working arrangement is in place (with 2-3 days per week on site, on average). This role will also require some business travel within Europe.
  
  Bachelor's degree or combination of experience and education.
• 8 years+ of experience in project management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience of setting up project management processes and leading significant change management transformation in large complex organisations, including financial services.
• A strong understanding of both traditional and agile project management methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and effective influencing skills, with extensive experience gaining buy-in from senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement large scale organisational change.
• Experience of several different project management tools software (e.g., Jira, MS Project, Rally).
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams with competing priorities.
• Ability to work with an ambiguous problem/project scope and able to identify opportunities for process improvement and systems development.
• Ability to proactively lead teams out of a state of uncertainty/change to focussed/impactful outcomes.
• Ability to identify and articulate potential solutions, business benefits, risks, and dependencies.
• Strong performer in all categories of the Ford behaviours (Excellence - Collaboration - Focus).
Desired:
• Proven track record of successfully setting up a Hybrid project management model in a complex organizational structure.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate business needs into project strategies and actions.
  
  Ford Credit Europe (FCE) is part of the Ford Motor Credit Company and headquartered in Dunton, UK. This role reports to the Director, Business Transformation, FCE. You will partner closely with Engineering, Design, and business partners.