Our Ability Jobs

Introduction:

Our objective is that in five years, Pearson will be one of the major players in the workforce development market reaching tens of millions of enterprises and individual learners globally, generating more than £1bn in revenue and growing rapidly with the potential to reach many multiples of that revenue in the years to come. The Workforce Skills (WfS) business division will be the driving force in realizing this ambition.

One of the cornerstones of Workforce Skills is our Vocational Qualifications (VQ) business. Every year, we deliver nearly 1 million qualification outcomes to BTEC students and Apprentices, spanning all sectors, ages and education settings. We are proud of the impact that we have and maintain a robust, complex qualifications delivery operation at scale and in line with Ofqual regulatory requirements.

Role overview:

We are now seeking a highly skilled and experienced Transformation Lead with proven experience in delivering successful complex, large scale transformational programmes to help us on the next stage of our journey. Key responsibilities will include:

• Support in the execution of all approved strategic transformation projects of the Vocational Qualifications business line

• Support an integrated program of change initiatives across all lines of service and functional areas which are aligned to business strategy

• Creating and implementing change management strategies and plans that drive employee and customer adoption and minimize resistance

• Explore innovation strategies that leverage AI technologies to solve business challenges, improve operational efficiency, or enhance customer experience.

What we are looking for:

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead and drive large-scale transformation initiatives across the Vocational Qualifications business

• Develop and implement transformation strategies that align with the company’s objectives and goals with customer centric thinking

Program & Portfolio Management:

• Outcome focused, experienced in developing business cases and benefits realisation tracking

• Proven ability in Programme planning, dependency, risk & issue management

• Ability to utilise a range of portfolio and project management methodologies to manage and track progress

• Oversee multiple projects and initiatives, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and within budget

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior executives, department heads, and external partners.

• Effectively communicate transformation goals, progress, and outcomes to all stakeholders with and ability to translate the complex into the simple

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with ability to apply appropriate tactics to take stakeholders on a journey of change

Change Management:

• Develop and execute change management plans to ensure smooth transitions and adoption of new processes and systems

• Identify potential risks to adoption of change and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact

Agile Methodologies:

• Experience in Scaled Agile Framework and ways of working

• Proficiency in of methodologies, principles and practices to drive continuous improvement and ensure project success.

• Facilitate Agile ceremonies such as programme increment planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.

Team Leadership:

• Inspire and motivate teams to think creatively, encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement and disruptive thinking

• Excellent proven leadership and line management skills

• Mentor and guide team members to enhance their skills and achieve business outcomes.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 5-7 years of proven track record of managing and leading large-scale transformation programmes

• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and build strong relationships across all levels

• Experience working in a fast paced, complex environment

• Degree in project management, Business Administration, Management, or a related field

• Agile qualification (e.g., Certified Scrum Master, Agile Certified Practitioner, SAFE)

• Change Management qualification (e.g., APMG, PROSCI)

Key Competencies:

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams

• High level of adaptability and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

This job specification outlines the general nature and level of work expected of the Transformation Lead. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: PROJECT/PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Organization: Workforce Skills

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Req ID: 17820